Author

Hannah Howard

Hannah Howard is the editor-in-chief of ParentCo. and the author of the memoirs Feast: True Love in and out of the Kitchen and Plenty: A Memoir of Food and Family. She writes for Wine Enthusiast, the Guardian, and Bon Appetit and teaches writing classes online. Hannah lives in New Jersey with her husband, two kids, and one fluffy maltipoo. She loves stinky cheese. Follow her on Instagram @hannahmhoward or @hannahhoward on Twitter.

By This Author

Parenthood Smart Saves: Real Deals Parents Swear By—Coupons, Discounts & All

Smart Saves: Real Deals Parents Swear By—Coupons, Discounts & All

With the costs of diapers, wipes and baby gear climbing, parents are budgeting like pros. It’s not about being frugal for the sake of it—it’s about being smart.

Playtime father and son playing soccer

Encourage Your Kid to Try New Sports With This "No Pressure" Guide

With so many sports, encourage your kid to try new sport if they don’t have fun playing the first one. Adopt a “no pressure” attitude using these suggestions.

Learning boy hugging mother

How to Be a Role Model for a Shy Child

Shyness is a normal demeanor among kids, but it can sometimes hold them back from fully enjoying and engaging with the world around them. Here's how to help.

Inspiration boy playing in a puddle

Embracing Nature through Mindful Practices with your Child 

By spending time outside together, families can engage their senses, explore their surroundings and form authentic connections with their earth and each other.

Parenthood family at dinner

Should We Impose our Vegetarian or Vegan Diets on our Children?

People choose plant-based diets for a whole host of very valid reasons. But having kids makes everything more complicated - here's how to navigate the decision.

Inspiration rainy day with family

What Is Lighthouse Parenting? A Balanced Approach to Raising Resilient Kids

Coined by psychologist Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg and detailed in a book by the same name, Lighthouse Parenting is about being a steady presence in your child’s life.

Parenthood mother with newborn

Why We’re Talking About Maternal Mental Health This Month (and Always)

If you’ve just had a baby, you’ve probably been told this is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. But what if it’s not? Here's where to start. 

Inspiration little girl hiking

Create a Summer Bucket List with Your Kids

Here’s a fun, easy, and collaborative idea for spending some of those long summer days making new memories, sparking curiosity, and breaking free from routine. 

Learning mother with child

Thriving Through Tariffs: Helping Families Afford Baby Essentials That Support Development

As tariffs drive up the prices of essentials, families across the country are facing tough choices during the most critical years of their child’s development.

Parenthood This Beloved Irish Diaper Cream Is Finally Available in the U.S.

This Beloved Irish Diaper Cream Is Finally Available in the U.S.

If you’ve ever wished that one product could solve a bunch of your baby’s skincare woes, you’re not alone. A legendary Irish favorite is crossing the Atlantic.

Inspiration Parent-Proven Lifesavers: Where to Find Sanity (and Savings) When Times Get Tough

Parent-Proven Lifesavers: Where to Find Sanity (and Savings) When Times Get Tough

Families are finding real, practical ways to make it through—and protect what matters most. Here's how to tap into creative solutions and community support. 

Parenthood family

How to Support Your Family (and Your Sanity) Amid Tariffs and Uncertainty: ParentCo. Expert Roundtable

Lately, with economic uncertainty, rising costs, and tariff impacts driving up the prices of essentials, parenting feels even harder. Here's how to cope.

Parenthood How Tariffs Are Threatening a Mom-Invented Baby Brand

How Tariffs Are Threatening a Mom-Invented Baby Brand

Beth Benike’s company faces a crisis: skyrocketing tariffs that threaten to undo years of hard work. She chatted with ParentCo. about the challenges ahead.

Inspiration kids eating lunch

Nutritious Kids' Lunch Ideas: Healthy, Easy, and Delicious!

Creating nutritious lunches isn't just about checking off the food pyramid — it's about knowing what fuels kids' bodies and excites their taste buds.

Parenthood pregnant woman and her son choosing baby carriage

Shop Like a Pro: Snag Kids’ Essentials Without Ditching Safety or Style

Shopping for babies is a constant mix of emotion, instinct, and math. You want the best for your little one, but affordability also matters, especially now.

Parenthood Stretching the Family Budget: Real Tips from Real Parents Navigating Financial Stress

Stretching the Family Budget: Real Tips from Real Parents Navigating Financial Stress

Financial stress is common during this early stage of parenting. But while many parents become pros at finding clever ways to save, safety should come first.

Learning kids playing

15 Fun and Simple Toddler Activities That Actually Help Them Learn 

These 15  activities encourage language, motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, and more—and they don’t require pricey gadgets or Pinterest-perfect setups.

Wellbeing woman greiving

7 Ways to Deal with Mom Guilt

You constantly feel that you’re not enough as a mom, as a professional, as a partner, as a friend or as a woman.That annoying voice seems to always be there.

Parenthood mother and child shopping

3 Recent Baby Product Recalls Every Parent Should Know About

Here are 3 recent recalls involving popular baby items sold online. If you’ve purchased any of these products—we’ve got the info you need and what to do next. 

Inspiration children holding planet earth

Helping Parents and Kids Manage Climate Anxiety with Optimism

Climate change dominates the news. Here are constructive ways to help families navigate climate anxiety together while nurturing hope for a brighter future.

Learning mother working on laptop while kids playing

Fun Activities to Help Children Learn the Importance of Patience

We all know life often requires us to wait. These moments can be a challenge for children, but they're also an opportunity to learn a valuable patience.

Parenthood Easy, Affordable and Totally Realistic Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

Easy, Affordable and Totally Realistic Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

 I know it’s “just a season” but for my own sanity, well-being and frankly my appearance, these are some manageable things I can do daily to care for myself.

Learning How to Raise a Lifelong Learner in a World Focused on Achievement

How to Raise a Lifelong Learner in a World Focused on Achievement

Colleges look for students who aren’t afraid to tackle big problems and make an impact in their communities. This begins with nurturing a love of learning.

Potty Everything You Need to Know and Buy for a Positive Potty Journey

Everything You Need to Know and Buy for a Positive Potty Journey

Potty training is both exciting and…scary. With the right mindset, preparation, and tools, you and your kiddo will be ready to tackle this milestone head on.

Parenthood The Family Policy Puzzle: When Words Say One Thing, and Wallets Say Another

The Family Policy Puzzle: When Words Say One Thing, and Wallets Say Another

While the message is clear—support families, boost birth rates, and strengthen future generations—the aministration's policies tell a more complicated story.

Inspiration woman looking at computer frustrated

Reminders for When You're Struggling

Parenting is a 24/7 job; we all deserve medals for it. It's gratifying in many ways but challenging in ways we don't always talk about. It's ok to struggle. 

Parenthood woman looking at computer and phone

Buyer Beware: Why Parents Should Be Wary of Super Cheap Baby Goods

If a bargain seems too good to be true…it might be. There are safety concerns associated with these budget-friendly items, urging parents to exercise caution.

Milestones kids hugging

How Acts of Love Can Support Children’s Emotional Development

As your children grow, they go through stages of development. Each provides a new way for parents to connect and teach empathy, acceptance and teamwork. 

Sleep loving same sex male family cuddling, sleeping baby daughter on sofa

Baby Sleep 101: Back to Basics

As a certified pediatric sleep expert, I want to stress that every baby is different and has different needs for sleeping, feeding, growing, and learning. 

Milestones two happy young girls pouring milk

How to Teach about Sharing during Every Stage of Development

Sharing is an essential skill that helps your child navigate relationships and foster empathy for others. Here's how to approach sharing at different stages.

Milestones mother holding baby

Why Early Play Equals Early Learning

From the first moments of life—even before birth—babies are absorbing, exploring, and making sense of the world around them. Play is their primary tool.

Milestones little girl reading a book

Designing a Calm Corner for Stress Relief and Emotional Regulation

A calm corner in your home might be exactly what your family needs. This dedicated space can become a tool for stress relief and emotional regulation.

Parenthood father holding newborn baby son in nursery

5 Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby

Babies absolutely cry, and sometimes there’s not much you can do. But other times, one of these strategies can work wonders. Here are five ways to soothe a baby.

Parenthood Understanding TOG Ratings: A Parent’s Guide to Comfort and Safety

Understanding TOG Ratings: A Parent’s Guide to Comfort and Safety

Understanding TOG—thats Thermal Overall Grade—can help you choose the ideal swaddle to ensure your baby stays at the perfect temperature in every season. 

Playtime mother with child outside

Ensuring Safe Toys and Gear for your Little One

Since not all companies are scrupulous, here’s how parents can make sure the products they buy for their family are safe. Shop from brands you trust.

Learning child playing with toys

The Best Gifts for Babies Ignite Curiosity

Babies are born with curiosity. The best toys tap into that inquisitive spirit—helping them explore the world and build skills and confidence along the way.

Inspiration woman with paintbrushes doing art project

4 Ways to Make Time for Creativity as a Parent

How can parents make time to nurture their own creativity? How do they carve out time for doing things like writing or making art?

Parenthood baby playing

How (Multi)sensory Play Helps Babies Thrive

Multisensory learning is founded on the theory of whole brain learning, which states that engaging multiple senses and brain regions is the best way to learn.

Learning baby playing

5 Things to Know about Baby’s First Steps

For your little one, walking means entering a whole new stage of life, where the world is their oyster. Here’s what to know as your little one learns to walk.

Milestones baby crawling on the floor

Milestones Are Not a Race: Here’s Why They Matter

Milestones in how your baby plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves are signposts as they grow. Here's why they matter, and why they are not a race.

Wellbeing teacher and schoolboy giving each other high-five

Helping Your Child Adapt to the Back-to-School Routine

To help with the back-to-school transition, we have many simple tricks to help your child ease into school with as little fuss and drama as possible.

Parenthood baby eating

Play, Feeding, and How to Make the Most of your Baby's Wake Window

Maximizing wake windows helps make sure your baby is getting everything they need for their growth and development, plus ensuring they’re nice and tired.

Wellbeing baby playing

Consider Wake Windows for Better, Longer Baby Sleep

Set up your wake windows for success by making sure baby gets plenty of play and stimulation. Adjust as you go, tuning into your baby's cues. You got this!