Toddlers

New Father Chronicles: A toddler’s advice for America

It can be hard to explain to a child why our country is so divided — so maybe it’s time to let a child explain something to adults? The TODAY Parenting Team’s...

Try this to help your kids open up to you this summer

Many kids are more likely to speak freely when they're engaged in activities with their parents. Our newest TODAY Parenting Team challenge can help open the...

When great swimmers drown

My daughter is a Junior Olympic-level synchronized swimmer. She’s been an accomplished swimmer since she was a toddler. So, of all the things I have worried...

I choose my baby over my to-do list

When my little girl needed me to put her before chores and work, she helped me see what an enormous blessing it can be to be needed.

Justin Timberlake pens sweet message to Silas: 'It is my honor to be your Daddy'

Justin Timberlake has so much love for his 3-year-old!

Ode to a dad who never, ever tires of playing with his son

My husband relishes the time our little boy wants to spend playing, and playing, and playing. "This will pay big dividends later when he's a teenager," he always...

I didn't have a dad, but my son does

Growing up, I didn't have a dad, so I had no idea what would happen to me when I saw my partner become one.

Stepdads, boyfriends and other REAL dads take one for the team

Thank you to all the wonderful men who raise someone else's children as their own. You guys may not be fathers, but Father’s Day is your day too.

Dad, I just found this picture of you — and I miss you so much

You'd be shocked to see all the little ones in this house. You'd be humbled because one bears your name. You'd hug them, laugh at them, and tell them how much...

To my kids on Father's Day: Your dad is not perfect

We thought we’d be the cool parents because OF COURSE we’d do it all right. But we don’t always hit the mark. Allow me to explain …

Why we do not celebrate Father's Day in our house

My husband passed away six years ago. My children and I always miss him more than ever on his birthday and the anniversary of his death — but Father's Day is...

'My lost boy somehow found a way'

He hasn't been hungry in years. He sleeps in a bed. With a woman who loves him. But he still won't let me throw away any of his shoes.

Jenna Bush Hager: I never doubted my dad's love

He loved his little girl so much that I know those hours of uninterrupted time talking and listening are as precious to him as they are to me.

Mom Truths: All the things moms think about

Moms have soooo many good intentions — and so little time to carry them out. The TODAY Parenting Team’s Cat and Nat explain.

How our dad’s unconditional love made us bulletproof

Want to set your kids up for success? Be their biggest fan. TODAY Parenting Team contributor Jen Hatmaker explains.

New Father Chronicles: Confessions of an 8-month-old

Honesty is an important virtue for parents to teach their children — but those efforts hilariously break down when the TODAY Parenting Team’s La Guardia Cross...

Michael Loccisano / Getty Images For CMT

Carrie Underwood reveals her son's new favorite toy — and she knows it's 'weird'

The singer's 3-year-old son sure has an interesting taste in toys!

He's their dad, not their babysitter

I've noticed over the years that folks are curious about my children when I'm not home with them. Well-meaning people ask, "Who has the kids?"

Christine Burke / Keeper of the Fruit Loops

8 simple rules my dad taught me about life before he died

My father was a tall, broad, over-sized man with a teddy-bear heart. He was my rock.

Why singer John Legend says Father's Day isn't as big of a deal as Mother's Day

The father of two talks about Father's Day, parenting, and dancing in the dining room with Luna.

'It's never too late': Single dad turns to IVF to start a family

In his late 40s, this single man found an egg donor and a surrogate, and started a family on his own. And experts say he's not alone.

9 years after the NICU, we are still affected

My girls don't look like preemies anymore. There is little physical evidence that they started their lives two months early. Yet the ramifications of their...

'Messes aren't so bad!' Mom lets kids fill kiddie pool with slime

Her children begged her to have an indoor slime-fest, so this mom said yes — and she doesn't regret it.

Tell the TODAY Parenting Team about your dad hero!

Maybe your dad hero is your own father, the father of your children or an important father figure in your life. Here’s a chance to explain just how special...

Prince George and Princess Charlotte had an absolute ball at dad’s polo match

While Prince William played in a polo match, his little ones were busy jumping, running and tossing a slinky.

Parenting can break you — don't give up

There will be moments as a parent when you will feel crushed. There will be hours, days, when you doubt everything you are doing. Don't walk away.

I'm the mom, so I have to be happy

I can't let anyone know that I struggle at times. I need to smile and pretend that life is just fine.

Mom Truths: The truth about marriage with kids

"Babe, I love you. I'll see you in 15 years when they can walk and drive." The TODAY Parenting Team's Cat and Nat hilariously describe what happens to marriages...

How a bucket list eliminated my mom guilt

Last summer, I’m going to be honest — I dealt with a lot of working mom guilt and jealousy. Guilt that I was schlepping my kids from camp to camp because my...

Replacing summer 'guilt' with summer 'gift' so kids can soar

"What fun things did you do over the summer?" I imagined my daughters being asked when they returned to school in the fall. And their responses would be less...

The identity crisis of motherhood

Some days, I think I'm finally beginning to be the mom I've always wanted to be. Other days, I find myself crying in the bathroom.

Shhivika Chauhan Photography; Fancy Fig Photography

From 1 child to 2: The next life transition

As an only child, I have no frame of reference on having a sibling. Growing up together. Loving each other. Fighting, bickering, endlessly annoying each other....

New Father Chronicles: How to work out like a toddler

Who knew throwing tantrums and jumping up and down could burn so many calories?! When the TODAY Parenting Team’s La Guardia Cross accepted a fitness challenge...

To my fellow anxious mamas: Being on anxiety meds doesn't make you a failure

I remember my first panic attack like it was yesterday. My triplets were 3 months old, and the sleep deprivation was sucking the life out of me.

A thank you to my daughter's kindergarten teacher

To all the teachers in the world who are like you, I wish you knew how grateful parents are for you. We are in awe of what you do.

Watch 4-year-old North West sing Kanye's song in adorable video

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West may have a little singer in their midst!

How to keep going as a mom when you have little or no support

I remember going into labor for the second time and wondering who was going to babysit my toddler so that I could give birth.

Mom Truths: The real phases of summer with school-aged kids

When it comes to summer break, many parents experience the same expectations and the same realities every single year. The TODAY Parenting Team’s Cat and Nat...

15 picture books to help you raise kind, tolerant kids

These books celebrate pride and have a powerful message for any child

Why I won’t miss the school drop-off routine this summer

In this early-morning stream of consciousness, the TODAY Parenting Team’s Tiffany Jenkins of Juggling the Jenkins reveals the thoughts that go through her mind...

5 pros and cons of being an older mom

I've heard one too many opinions about how old you should be when you have kids. But you can't always control when you get pregnant.

New Father Chronicles: I thought I wanted a Daddy's girl

The TODAY Parenting Team's La Guardia Cross loved being the one to hold and soothe his baby girl — until he needed to go to the bathroom, take a shower and...

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