Emily Oster

2 minute read Emily Oster

Emily Oster

Wins, Woes, and SPF

Your stories for the week

Emily Oster

2 minute read

We’re back, with another question from a reader for you to answer in the comments. You blew us away last week with your thoughtful, kind, and smart answers to Rita’s question. It’s a good reminder that there’s no single right way to parent. We’re all doing a great job!


Sunscreen station

—Lindsay

We lay out a beach towel near the door and create lots of excitement to get to this station before leaving for the day. Both my kiddos, 18 months and 4.5 years old, seem to gravitate to this novel concept, which allows for much less fuss and much less mess (or at least contained fuss and mess, ha)! A win-win. I learned this from another mom and it now seems so obvious, but it wasn’t to me, so I had to share.

Real talk

—PPD Parenting

Had our first baby four months ago, and I have been struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety, off and on since we got home from the hospital. As someone who has always been energetic, optimistic, and hopeful, I’ve found myself feeling immense amounts of guilt at the occasional feelings of “regret” I have over our decision to become parents — not because we don’t love our amazing baby (she is perfect in every way!) but because of how awful I have felt physically and emotionally since we gave birth. I am getting help and I know it will pass, but I just wanted to share this in case anyone else is out there going through it. I know in my heart that I will get to enjoy this journey — someday soon.

Thanks, but no thanks

—Still Cleaning for No One But Myself

I spent an hour deep-cleaning my 3.5-year-old’s room — picked up the Legos, changed the sheets, dusted, and vacuumed. It looked better than it had in months. As I sighed with pleasure at my hard work, my son ran in and exclaimed “GOD DAMMIT! Who do this?!” And proceeded to unmake the bed and put his Legos back on the floor. Clearly he did not inherit my tidy tendencies.

Time for you to help

Our reader writes:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of moving away from family? We love our family but also dislike where we live. Feeling guilty. Is moving away bad? 

Community Guidelines
Two women stand on a balcony chatting. One is pregnant.

Feb. 27, 2023

6 minute read

Your Best Parenting Advice

ParentData is 3!

A pregnant person is supported by a partner in a pool of water for a water birth.

Updated on Jan. 8, 2025

7 minute read

The Stages of Labor and Best Positions for Each

And what I might have done differently

Close up of a postpartum belly with baby hands.

Updated on Jan. 22, 2025

2 minute read

Should I Try Stomach Binding Postpartum?

Ask ParentData

A toddler sits on a couch poking at an iPad and smiling.

Feb. 16, 2023

4 minute read

Infant Screen Time and Academic Success

Infant screen time and breakfast cereal terror