The worst question to ask your teen

Hello and welcome back! Hope you had a lovely holiday season—we may need a vacation from our vacations, but isn’t that what life’s all about? 

As we kick off a new year, we have a new mantra: Work smarter, not harder…as evidenced by our latest creation. If you, too, are tired of being a human coatrack, this one’s for you. 

Hot Take: Don’t Ask Your Teen How Their Day Was

The worst question to ask your teen: How was your day?

This mom picked up on something we’ve been thinking more and more about lately: The more you insist on hearing about your kid’s day, the less they want to tell you. Hammering them with questions the second they get in the car after sports practice or school or tutoring or whatever they’re doing? Not the time to really connect.

If you find your kid is giving you one-word answers when you ask how their day was, maybe try the hands-off approach. Give them space and time to tell you about how it was, good or bad. And remember: Connecting with your teen doesn’t have to be complicated. If they’re clamming up when you interrogate them, try sending a funny meme or TikTok, making their favorite snack, or attempting conversation when they’ve chilled out.

New Year, New You?

Real talk: Sometimes the new year calls for a reset. Reorganizing your spice cabinet, decluttering your storage closet, or even something a little more substantial…like Dry January.

We know a ton of parents who are giving it a go this winter. If you’re one of them, a few tips to keep in mind with that or any resolution:

• Find an easy way to make progress daily. If you’re giving up wine, brush your teeth right after dinner as a symbolic end to your evening. Red wine and toothpaste do not mix!

• Tell your close friends that you’re committing to your goal and that it’s important to you. Having accountability buddies always makes things easier.

• Take it one day at a time. And if you find it’s not working? You won’t get in trouble for moving the goalposts.

Our goal this year? Have more fun. 🎉

Parenting Advice from a Retired Teacher

Who knows kids better than teachers? They’re basically our kids’ parents when they’re at school, and we literally owe them the world. And when teachers offer up parenting advice? We’re all ears…because they’ve seen it all.

The latest gem from a retired teacher: Enjoy the child you have. 

Might sound obvious, but really think about it—we all have expectations for our kids to be a certain way, do a certain thing, follow a certain path. It’s our job to guide them, but what if we let them sit in the driver’s seat more often? We might get a chance to appreciate our kids for who they are…which is unique, special, and truly the coolest thing.

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever gotten? Hit reply and let’s hear it.

We feel so lucky that we get to take our kids all over the world and make memories as a family. This winter break was no exception—so today, our top recs for traveling with teens and tweens. ✈️

• Cat’s ultimate (and teen-approved) guide to NYC 🍎

• Nat’s family-friendly must-do list for Costa Rica 🐒

• How to travel with teens and not go bonkers

• 12 teen-approved vacation spots to help you plan your next trip