“I can’t believe it’s summer already!”

We’ve all said it, or heard it, so many times it’s part of our daily small talk. But behind the cliché is something real. Time is flying. And it’s not just our imagination.

As a kid, summer felt endless. Two and a half months off school stretched on forever with long bike rides, evenings under the sun, trying out a new rollercoaster, or meeting a new friend who just moved into the neighborhood.

Those days felt infinite.

Now? Summer hasn’t even started, and I already know it’ll vanish in a blink.

So why does time feel like it speeds up as we get older?

First there’s math

When you're five, a three-month summer is 5% of your life. At forty, it’s just 0.6%. Proportionally, the same stretch of time feels much shorter to an adult.

This proportional perception means that each passing year makes up a smaller fraction of our total life experience, making time seem to accelerate as we grow up.

Check out this chart below to see the percentage of time that one year represents by age.

No wonder those childhood years felt so slow and long.

Source

What psychology says

Then there’s the psychological side. Children live in a world full of firsts—new experiences that stand out and stretch our perception of time.

Vacations give us a taste of this as adults. You might feel like the trip flew by in the moment, but when you reflect on all the new things you saw and did, it feels long. Psychologists call this the Holiday Paradox, where a period feels short while you’re in it, but long in hindsight because your brain stored so many novel moments.

Newness breaks the blur. That’s why doing something even slightly different can make a regular weekend feel memorable.

Finally, the brain science

Beyond perception, there’s actual neuroscience at play. As kids, our brains absorb more detail. We take in the world with more attention and speed, like a camera capturing more frames per second.

As adults, our brains filter out familiar information more quickly. That’s why a flipbook of your childhood has more pages than one from your thirties—the brain is processing fewer distinct “frames,” so time speeds up.

So no, it’s not just you. Time really does feel like it’s speeding up.

You can’t slow down time but you can stretch it

Here’s the hard truth: Each year, it’s going to feel like life is moving faster. That can be an emotional realization especially as a parent. You want to savor this time. You don’t want it to blur.

The enemy is autopilot. Doing the same things the same way each day makes the weeks and months blend together.

Here are three ways to fight back:

1. Break the Routine

Inject novelty into your week. Take a new route to work. Sign up for a class. Plan a spontaneous day trip with your family. New experiences create anchor points in your memory that stretch out your perception of time.

2. Be in the Moment

Multitasking makes time disappear. Watching a show while scrolling your phone? You’ll look up and wonder where the hour went. Focus on one thing and let yourself be in it. That presence helps time slow down.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Mark time intentionally. Celebrate more often. Create rituals to punctuate your days. These markers become memories, and those memories stretch the timeline of your life.

Time flies. But with intention, you can make the most of it.

Enjoyed this post? Share this link with a friend ⬇️!

Girl’s trip, rescheduled!

It dawned on me recently that I haven’t gone a girls trip with my college girlfriends in 12 years.

Twelve!

These are my girls. We lived together. We shared each other’s clothes. We shared a lot of memories.

And then...life happened. Jobs, moves, families. Every year we say, “This is the year!” We make a Doodle. We get hopeful.

Then someone has another baby.

Forget about balancing all the things I need to do as a mom. I was feeling friend guilt.

I wish I could say this guilt was limited to my relationships with friends. But at various points it can be my role as a daughter, as a sister, as an in-law.

The guilt piles up quick

This newsletter usually focuses on you as a parent. Because, let’s be honest, that role is a lot. Especially on the weekend.

But recently I’ve been thinking about how “parent” is just one piece of who you are. A big piece, yes. But not the whole story.

You’re also someone’s child. Someone’s partner. Someone’s friend.

And those roles? They don’t go on pause just because your kid joined club soccer.

You might spend one evening planning a last-minute date night because you and your spouse haven’t had a real conversation in a week. The next morning, you’re texting your dad to remind him to take his blood pressure meds. And somewhere in the middle, you remember that poker night with your friends you meant to plan... last December.

Here’s the thing: parenting pulls focus. It demands your time, your energy, your snacks. But it’s not the whole story.

What does the data say?

Parenting pulls focus. It demands your time, your energy, your snacks. But it shouldn’t consume your entire identity.

A Harvard study conducted over 80 years found that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives, the study revealed. Being connected to other’s is what drove happiness, longevity, and delayed physical and mental decline.

And these relationships extend beyond just your kids.

Our generation spends more time than ever with our nuclear families. But sometimes that happens at the expense of friendships and extended relationships that also matter deeply.

This is a solid reminder to text your college friend that you haven’t in a couple months and say hi.

This is your reminder to text that college friend you’ve been meaning to check in on. Just say hi.

It’s all too much, sometimes

I can write an entire post (and I might) about relationships with our spouses and with our own parents, if we’re lucky that they are still around.

We get consumed by the daily grind. It’s easy to forget to invest in the relationships that sustain us.

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about remembering.

You are many things to many people. You won’t show up perfectly in every role, every day. That’s not failure, it’s reality.

There’s no such thing as work-life balance. Life ebbs and flows. Some seasons require more from one part of us than another.

And relationships are no different.

Let them ebb. Let them flow. But don’t forget to keep showing up.

Even if it starts with just a text.

Everyone doesn’t do it?

Growing up, I had family spread across the globe in India, Australia, Singapore, England. It meant a lot of long flights, a lot of jet lag, and the chance to experience how different cultures live, celebrate, and connect.

It’s something I feel incredibly lucky for. Being exposed to other ways of doing life made me question a lot of the things we just assume are “normal” in the U.S.

Like holidays.

I still remember being in India one February and realizing they didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. No classroom card exchanges, no heart-shaped candy with phrases that were arguably inappropriate for second graders. Just… another day.

And not just Valentine’s. No Mother’s Day, no Father’s Day either. At the time (this was around 2000), I was baffled. Weren’t these global traditions?

Turns out—they weren’t. At least not originally.

The founder quit her own ‘movement’

The woman who founded Mother’s Day in the U.S. actually ended up hating it.

Anna Jarvis started a movement in the early 1900s to honor her own mother, who had spent her life supporting other women and mothers. Anna’s goal was simple: create a day to recognize the unpaid labor and emotional weight carried by moms. At the time, most public recognition was reserved for male achievements, so this was her way of saying, “Hey, women matter too!”

Her campaign worked. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day an official holiday.

But not long after, Anna watched it become everything she never intended. Companies jumped on the opportunity to sell flowers, cards, candy, and gifts. The day shifted from meaningful recognition to consumer pressure.

She fought back publicly.
She organized protests.
Filed lawsuits.
Spent her own money trying to undo the holiday she’d created.

She believed buying stuff wasn’t the point.

Fast forward to today: Americans are expected to spend over $34 billion this year on Mother’s Day.

And in many countries, women feel like they are celebrating the day because they have to:

Source: Statista

So… Anna may have had a point.

We don’t need more $hit

Personally, I get it. I’ve got nothing against a thoughtful gift or brunch reservation. But the pressure to buy something or to perform a perfect Mother’s Day misses the mark.

Most moms I know aren’t looking for more flowers or spa kits.

They want rest.
To not be in charge for a day.
To feel seen.
Appreciated.
Like their daily grind is acknowledged, not just on some second Sunday in May but regularly.

What to do instead

If you want to make the mom in your life feel special, don’t default to whatever Instagram is pushing. Instead, get a little more intentional.

Start with her love language. (If you haven’t read The 5 Love Languages, it's a great place to begin.). In summary, Love Languages are five distinct ways people give and receive love—words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch.

For me, I’m acts of service and quality time.

Based on what brings the mom in your joy consider these ideas:

• Words of Affirmation: A real, thoughtful note about what you admire in her as a parent and partner.

• Acts of Service: Take on her invisible workload for the weekend. Laundry, meals, logistics, handle it!

• Receiving Gifts: If you go this route, make it personal. Something handmade or tied to a shared memory.

• Quality Time: Plan an activity she enjoys, and be fully present for it. Phones down.

• Physical Touch: Simple things like a back rub, a hug, holding hands while walking can go a long way.

Sometimes, the best way to show love isn’t with a gift. It’s with thoughtfulness, curiosity, and presence.

To all the mamas in this community, happy mother’s day today and every day. Do whatever makes you happy tomorrow!

Here’s what I’ve heard from parents lately when it comes to birthday parties:

“It was the worst thing ever.”
“There’s just so much pressure to make it fun and memorable.”

Sound familiar?

As a mom of three, I’ve been through it too. 12 years of planning birthdays, juggling details, and trying to make the day special without losing my mind.

That’s why I’m testing a new service to help busy parents plan amazing, low-stress birthday parties. Personalized themes, invites, decor, entertainment, vendors, all handled for you.

The goal is simple: less stress, more joy. You get to actually enjoy the moment, not manage it.

If you’ve got a kiddo’s birthday coming up in May or June, just reply “BIRTHDAY” and I’ll send you the details.

If you’re reading this from our website, email us at hello@parint.co to get started.

Quality time, 9 minutes a week.

Between screens, packed schedules, and never-ending to-dos, it’s easy to feel like quality time with your child is slipping away.

That’s why we created Parint Adventure Club, a parent-child date in a box. We take the work off your plate so you can focus on what matters: making memories.

Each month, you’ll get a themed experience designed to spark laughter, conversation, and adventure. Each quest challenge takes 9 minutes or less. No prep, no planning, just show up and enjoy.

Because the best moments with your child shouldn’t feel like another task on your to-do list.

“With so much on my mind, Parint gave me a dedicated hour to fully engage and create real quality time with my kid.”
— Ravi, Parent of a 6-year-old

Yes, I want a FREE quest!

Technology is kind of scary

Last week, I posted on LinkedIn about the show Adolescence and what it got me thinking about as a parent. People engaged with the post, not because I shared a hot take, but because it touched something real.

In the comments, a few parents shared deeply personal stories about their sons being bullied online. But what surprised me most was this: even after going through that, they didn’t say, “Ban all phones forever.” Instead, they talked about teaching kids safe habits. Not banning, but guiding.

That really stuck with me.

Everything’s extreme right now, including how we parent

Our society has gotten intense. Whether it's politics, skincare, or what kind of water bottle you drink from, everything feels all-or-nothing.

A few from the world of parenting:
“No iPads. Ever.”
“No sugar. Ever.”
“Only wear 100 percent organic cotton. Always.”

You get the point.

Tech is no different. And honestly, I catch myself doing it too, even though I grew up watching plenty of TV and didn’t have screen limits. I think I turned out okay-ish. You can be the judge of that 😉

But now, as a technologist and a mom, I find myself torn between two extremes:
Protecting my kids from the wild, weird internet and empowering them to use tech as a force for good.

Why is the tech world so at odds?

I’ve worked at multiple tech companies, including ones that made products for kids.

And let me tell you, they were rarely thinking about kids’ well-being. They were thinking about three things:

Engagement — How do we get people to use this every day?
Growth — How do we get more people on it?
Monetization — How do we make more money per user?

Not exactly child-friendly.

Apps like Instagram were built for adults. But adults aren’t your future growth engine. Kids are. And so, inevitably, kids get pulled into products that were never meant for them.

Now AI is doing the same thing.

How to think about tech use

Instead of asking, “Is this app good or bad?” I’ve found it’s more helpful to ask, “How is my child using it?”

Every piece of technology lives somewhere on a spectrum. Some tools encourage creativity and connection. Others are pure entertainment. Some just eat time.

I use a simple mental model to sort it all:

1. Is the engagement active or passive? Are they creating, collaborating, or just zoning out?

2. Is there a clear purpose or intention? Is it meaningful or just mindless?

I mapped this out in a visual quadrant that shows where common apps like YouTube, FaceTime, Duolingo, and Minecraft might land. It’s not about banning everything in the bottom left. It’s about spending more time in the top right — tools that are engaged and intentional.

You don’t have to live in the top-right corner, but maybe try to avoid the bottom-left. Yes, this applies to adults too.

*Platforms like Minecraft and Roblox? It depends. They can be amazing creative tools or full of chaos and creepy chats. Monitor, co-play, and stay curious.

What about AI?

This is the part most parents feel completely unsure about. And I get it — AI feels like it's moving faster than any of us can process.

But here’s the thing: AI is not one thing. It’s a tool that can show up in any quadrant depending on how it's used.

The other day, my son had a school project to interview someone in a career he admired. He chose Mark Cuban. So we “interviewed” Mark using ChatGPT. We crafted the questions together, and let the AI generate thoughtful responses based on Mark’s background. He learned more than if he’d read five articles.

My hope is that AI companies do things differently than the Meta generation and realize that children are already using their products. Please build with guardrails, parental notifications, and safety in mind.

Advice from experts

I loved hearing from other parents. But I also wanted insights from people who’ve spent years working at the intersection of education, tech, and child development.

Jonathan Haidt, author of the Anxious Generation says don’t go at it alone, “If you’re the only parent who doesn’t give your kid a phone, well, then you’re a bad mom…But if you work with five of the parents of your kid’s friends so that you’re all on the same page, and you don’t just take away the phones, but you actually encourage them to go out and play together…well then we’ve won.”

Professor Sherry Turkl founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self and author of Reclaiming Conversation, "The best thing parents can do to protect their children is to unplug and interact face-to-face."

Digital parenting coach Elizabeth Milovidov proposes, “It is about empowering them to make smart decisions, and we do that when they are at a very young age. We are trying to teach them how to behave when we are not in the room, when we are not looking over their shoulder – that’s what digital guardianship is.”

These perspectives highlight that while tech presents challenges, as parents, we can use intentional approaches to help our kids navigate the digital world safely and meaningfully.

Now what?

There’s no perfect answer, but here’s what I try to do:

• Stay in the loop on what my kids are using

• Talk about how they feel while using it

• Co-play or co-watch when I can

• Model what intentional use actually looks like

What about you?

What’s your biggest fear when it comes to kids and technology?
What would you want more help with?

Hit reply. I’d love to hear it.

The real reason we go through it all

A few years ago, I started a tradition: decorating the living room the night before my kids’ birthday.

I wanted them to wake up to a surprise—balloons, presents, decorations tied to whatever they were into at the time. A moment that felt like it was made just for them.

But when it came time to do it, it was already 10PM. I was wiped. And I still had to blow up 38 balloons and somehow turn them into an arch.

No one asked me to do this. I created the whole project myself.

But I did it for him.

I did it for the look on his face the next morning. For the way he lit up when he saw his favorite colors, his favorite things, all just waiting for him.

Was it a lot? Definitely.
Was it worth it? Every time.
Could I have done something smaller? Of course.

But this is what we do.

We go through the extra effort to create that spark of magic.

How parents make magic

Over the past year, I’ve talked to hundreds of parents about how they show up for their kids. Some stories were big. Others were beautifully simple. What they all had in common was intention.

Here are some real, and realistic, ways parents make magic happen:

Everyday routines with a twist

• Arjun lets his kids listen to music and DJ every week. Music blasting. Every dancing.

• Nisha keeps a shared “Gratitude Jar” with her kids. Each week, they each write down one moment that made them smile and drop it in. They read them together at the end of the month.

• Maya, mom of two, writes napkin notes for school lunches. On tough days, she adds a silly joke.

Weekly rituals that stick

• Nate takes a walk every Friday with his family. No phones, just a chance to share wins and check in.

• Liz made game night a tradition and let’s her kids take turns picking the game.

• Samantha does “reverse bedtime” once a week. She lets the kids read her a story instead.

Family traditions to make your own

• Amanda DoorDashes lunch to her daughter’s school from her favorite restaurant on her birthday with a card from the family.

• Vanessa volunteers for one field trip per kid each year, no matter how chaotic her calendar is.

• Archana turns her kids’ artwork into a printed book at the end of the year using a service that does it all for you.

• Mark made up “Hookie Day.” Once a year, he pulls the kids out of school for a spontaneous adventure—think skiing, the zoo, or museum-hopping with hot chocolate after.

• David takes one child each year on a solo weekend trip. They choose the destination, even if it’s just a nearby city with a hotel pool.

• I’ve also heard of a “Family Oscars” night where everyone dresses up, presents silly awards, and watches old family videos.

Remember, no one is doing ALL of these things. Incorporate the magical moments that speak to you and connect to your values.

Why it matters

It’s not just about seeing their smile.

In a 2019 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers studied nearly 30,000 children from infancy to age 5. They found that certain consistent, positive parenting practices—like storytelling, family meals, and outings—could actually help counteract the negative effects of adversity.

These simple, magical actions are powerful. They help kids feel safe, loved, and seen. They build resilience.

And they don’t have to be big. They just have to be real.

Why its so hard

Most of us aren’t short on love. We’re short on bandwidth.

We’re making grocery lists. Replying to school emails. Registering for soccer. Getting someone to eat a vegetable.

Our mental load is sky-high. The energy to plan something special? Hard to come by.

Magic takes work. And it takes even more work when you're already doing everything else.

How to build the systems for magic

Magic can be easier when it’s built into your life, not added on top of it. These are the ways to keep the magic alive without sacrificing your sanity.

Repeat what works — You don’t need a brand-new idea every time. The beauty of tradition is that kids actually like the familiarity. In our house, we’ve stopped trying to reinvent birthdays. Every year, we bring out the same gold number balloon and a themed tablecloth. The key is to figure out what works, and then let it carry forward year after year.

Put it on the calendar — “If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.” That goes for magic too. Whether it’s a monthly parent-kid date, a weekend getaway, or just a few hours blocked off to do something together, schedule it like you would a doctor’s appointment or a work meeting. You’ll never “find” the time. You have to make it. Even small things, like setting a recurring reminder to write your child a birthday letter each year, can become cherished parts of your family’s story.

Put it on autopilot — There’s no rule that says magic has to be handcrafted by you every time. Let someone help you. Subscribe to a monthly quest or craft box that your kids get excited about. Stash some prewritten lunchbox notes in the kitchen drawer. This way you’re reaching for an experience that’s already there.

Magic doesn’t have to feel like pressure. With the right systems, it can feel like a rhythm you enjoy, remember, and have the energy to keep doing.

We’re here to help!

At Parint, we believe magic shouldn’t have to mean burnout. Our mission is to help families experience joy, connection, and adventure without making it feel like a chore.

We take care of the prep so you can focus on the moment itself. The sparkle in their eyes. The memory being made. The kind you’ll both remember.

What kind of help could you use to bring magic to life? Reply and let me know, for research purposes only!

The stare and nod

I was sitting with my son after a meal when he said, “Mama, listen to my joke!”

I did what I’ve done more times than I’d like to admit.

First, he had to say it three times before I paid attention, like actually looked him in the eye.

Then he launched into his “joke.” I told myself I’d really listen this time. I wanted to follow it, remember the punchline, be present.

It turned out to be more of a five-part story.

I was tracking for the first two-thirds. But when he got to the punchline, which ended in a question, I gave the wrong answer.

“What?!” he said, confused.

I tried again. Asked for a clue. We laughed a little and moved on.

But later, I felt frustrated with myself, especially because we were on vacation. I was supposed to be relaxed, present, focused.

Instead, I was doing what I now call the stare and nod.

I was there. I heard the words. But I wasn’t really listening.

What’s getting in the way

It’s not that I didn’t want to be present. It’s that my mind was elsewhere.

• Something at work was still bugging me

• I was already planning the next stop on our trip

• I had a task bouncing around in my head that I didn’t want to forget

These things feel urgent. Like they need to be “handled” right now and only I can do it.

Meanwhile, the story, the joke, the moment in front of me feels small. Easy to miss.

Sometimes we even tell ourselves our partner is the one who’s tuned in right now, so it’s fine if we check out for a second.

And then there’s the attention economy.

Recent studies show that the average adult’s attention span has shrunk significantly in the past two decades, with some research suggesting we switch tasks every 47 seconds during computer work.

Social media trains our brains to move on quickly. To swipe right and scroll if we’re bored. But we can’t swipe past a conversation with our kid just because it isn’t immediately captivating.

This mental fragmentation carries over into our parenting, even when we think we’re off devices.

Why it matters

When we e start giving our kids the “stare and nod”, they notice.

They notice when we forget the details of the story they told us.
They notice when our responses don't quite match their excitement.
They notice when we’re physically present, but emotionally unplugged.

These little moments are the relationship. They add up. They build trust. And eventually, they determine whether your child sees you as someone who listens, or someone who doesn’t.

How to stay super present

If you’re finding yourself nodding along but not really tuned in, here are a few small practices that help:

Mental health: Stress, burnout, low-level anxiety all leak into how we show up for our families. I’m not a therapist, but I know this: if your mind is overwhelmed, your ears will be too. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s a requirement for showing up fully.

Make it sensory: Use more than just your ears. Repeat part of what your kid says. Ask a question to clarify. Do something side-by-side like a quick drawing game or a puzzle. You’ll be amazed how much more focused you feel when you use another sense.

Put the phone away: Even the presence of a phone in the room can reduce attention and connection. Try airplane mode for ten minutes. Or go even simpler: leave your device in another room while you hang out.

Throw the device out the door: More likely than not its your device that is getting in the way. You’re not present because you feel like you need to check Slack, email, or something else more useless.

Mirror and Match: Subtly mimic your kiddo’s posture or gestures during conversations. This technique fosters connection and demonstrates attentiveness, making them feel heard and understood.

Just ask! If you catch yourself zoning out, call it out gently. “Hey, I missed that part. Can you say it again?” You can never go wrong with honesty, and it allows you to jump back into the conversation.

You won’t always get it right

Neither will I. And that’s okay.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about noticing when we’re distracted, and making a small shift toward connection.

Because next time, we might just catch the punchline.

Quality time, delivered.

Between screens, packed schedules, and never-ending to-dos, it’s easy to feel like quality time with your child is slipping away.

That’s why we created Parint Adventure Club, a parent-child date in a box. We take the work off your plate so you can focus on what matters: making memories.

Each month, you’ll get a themed experience designed to spark laughter, conversation, and adventure. No prep, no planning, just show up and enjoy.

Because the best moments with your child shouldn’t feel like another task on your to-do list.

“With so much on my mind, Parint gave me a dedicated hour to fully engage and create real quality time with my kid.”
— Ravi, Parent of a 6-year-old

Try one quest free!

A week for adventure

I’m writing this just before our Uber arrives to take us on our spring break trip. Bags are (mostly) packed, kids are buzzing with excitement, and yes, I’m running on less sleep than I should.

You know the feeling. The countdown to spring break when you desperately need the reset. You’re juggling last-minute logistics, realizing you forgot to book something, and cramming in that last minute work email.

And yet, it’s so worth it.

Spring break is one of the best chances all year to get out of our daily routines and create adventure as a family. That’s what makes it special. Not just the location, but the mindset.

At Parint, adventure is one of our core values. We believe families thrive when they experience new things together. When they get a little uncomfortable, a little silly, and a lot more alive.

And whether you're hopping on a plane or staying home this year, there are so many ways to bring that spirit of adventure into your family’s week.

For the traveler

More than 170 million Americans are expected to fly from March through April — the peak months for spring break. Most of them are going to rushing, stressed, and overwhelmed. Most of them will be rushing through airports, juggling plans, and arriving more stressed than when they left.

But your trip doesn’t have to feel like that.

If you're getting out of town, here are a few ways to build meaningful adventure into your week. And no, it doesn’t have to mean zip-lining through the jungle or doing anything extreme:

Leave room for the unexpected
Don’t pack every hour. Leave open space to wander, explore, and follow your curiosity. Sometimes the unplanned moments are the best ones.

Try something new together
Pick one thing no one in the family has done before. Paddleboarding, horseback riding, snorkeling, or visiting a botanical garden. It doesn't have to be extreme. Just unfamiliar.

Eat outside your comfort zone
Find a local restaurant with a cuisine you don’t usually eat. Korean barbecue. South Indian dosa. Moroccan tagine. Let the kids vote on what to try.

Start a vacation ritual
Pick a simple thing to repeat each day. For us we always bring a new card game. A group photo in the same pose. A daily "peak and pit" chat about the best and worst parts of the day. That shared rhythm becomes part of the memory.

Talk to strangers
Encourage your kids to say hi to another family at the pool. Sometimes vacation friendships turn into lifelong pen pals. Or at least a great story.

If you’re staying home

Staying home for spring break can feel like the consolation prize, but it doesn’t have to. In fact, it might be exactly what your family needs. With fewer logistics and less pressure, you have more space for spontaneity, rest, and creativity. When you take away the noise of travel, it’s easier to hear what your kids are really craving: your presence, your curiosity, and maybe a little bit of surprise.

Some of our best memories come from the simplest adventures. You don’t need a passport to create something special. Here’s how to bring the adventure home:

Explore like a tourist
Open TripAdvisor and choose something in your own city you’ve never done. A walking tour. A new park. An observation deck or a hidden gem museum.

Make your own food tour
Pick a neighborhood you don’t usually visit and do a self-guided food crawl. Tacos at one spot, bubble tea at the next. Let your kids help map the route.

Say yes for a day
Give your kids the reins for one day. They pick the meals, the activities, and maybe even what everyone wears. It’s goofy, chaotic, and unforgettable. Set some limits if you need to, but lean into the fun. If you haven’t seen the movie, first do that!

Take a class together
Pottery, rock climbing, dance, cooking. Check your local rec center or studio. Doing something hands-on as a family is instant adventure.

Go screen-free for a day
Treat it like a digital detox challenge. No phones, no TV. Just games, puzzles, walks, and face-to-face time. It’s harder than it sounds and more rewarding too.

A week of adventure!

Spring break is not just about escaping. It’s about waking up.

Adventure doesn’t require a flight or a fancy itinerary. It just requires intention. It’s about saying, "Let’s do something different. Let’s do it together."

So wherever this week takes you, lean in. Try something new. Get a little lost. Say yes more. Laugh harder.

And if you take us up on any of these ideas, tag us in your pics @parintapp. We’d love to explore alongside you.

Here’s to the adventures, big and small.

Quality time, delivered.

Between screens, packed schedules, and never-ending to-dos, it’s easy to feel like quality time with your child is slipping away.

That’s why we created Parint Adventure Club, a parent-child date in a box. We take the work off your plate so you can focus on what matters: making memories.

Each month, you’ll get a themed experience designed to spark laughter, conversation, and adventure. No prep, no planning, just show up and enjoy.

Because the best moments with your child shouldn’t feel like another task on your to-do list.

“With so much on my mind, Parint gave me a dedicated hour to fully engage and create real quality time with my kid.”
— Ravi, Parent of a 6-year-old

Try one quest free!

Am I doing this all wrong?

I recently stayed with a friend and got a front-row seat to how they interact with their kids.

And honestly? I was stunned.

Their 5-year-old was calm, patient, and polite. He said “please” and “thank you” without being reminded. He cleaned up his toys after playing—without being asked. You wouldn’t even know there were kids in the house.

I immediately thought of my own kids back home. There’s always a ball flying through the house. I repeat myself 1,000 times before anything gets done. The floor? A minefield of Legos and socks. And sometimes, I have to hide my face in embarrassment when one of my kids dashes off without a proper greeting.

For a moment, I thought: I’m totally doing this parenting thing wrong.

(Even more ironic, considering I’m building a company to help parents.)

I sat with that feeling for a while. Luckily, I had a six-hour flight home to process it.

Every family is a snowflake

After some reflection (and candy), I realized something important: every family is completely unique.

Just like snowflakes, no two families will ever have the same experience. Consider all the factors that shape a family’s dynamic:

• How you were raised

• Your values

• Socioeconomic status

• Cultural influences

• Where you live

• The number of kids you have

• Your child’s personality, neurodivergence, or behavioral makeup

• Your work status and flexibility

• Your priorities as a family

...the list goes on.

All these factors influence how you parent, what you emphasize, and even what your daily life looks like.

Some families raise their kids to be mini-adults, with an emphasis on responsibility and structure. Others lean into adventure and exploration—go explore, kid, and let me know if you start bleeding! Some don’t have the luxury of being overly intentional because they’re just trying to get food on the table.

And here’s the thing: we all know and love families in every one of these situations.

No one has it all figured out

The craziest part? No one actually has it all together.

What you see from the outside is never the full picture. That “perfect” family? Their challenges might not be visible to you. The well-behaved child? You don’t see the tantrums at bedtime.

We already know that social media is a highlight reel, but even in real life, we’re only seeing a fraction of someone’s reality.

Some parents are figuring out boundaries. Some are struggling with routines. Some are navigating big, complicated issues they never talk about.

It’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap. But I beg you—don’t.

Because the truth is: we’re all just writing our own family story. And yours isn’t meant to look like anyone else’s.

What to do instead

Instead of spending your limited energy on comparison, try this:

→Define what matters most to your family. What do you value? What kind of family culture do you want to create? Focus on that. Here’s one of my prior posts to get you started.

→Be intentional with your time. If you care about connection, schedule 1:1 time with your kids. If you care about adventure, plan outings. Let your priorities drive your actions. Here are some cool things other parents are doing.

→Remind yourself that no one gets it 100% right. That parent you admire? They struggle too. That kid who seems perfect? They have meltdowns too. You’re doing better than you think.

At the end of the day, your family is yours. And that’s exactly how it should be.

No one ever told me this

I remember those newborn days like they were yesterday — the sleep deprivation, the constant nursing or bottle washing, the weird twilight hours where you’re not sure if it’s morning or night. It’s all a soft haze now because when I look back at photos from that time, I realize I don’t remember half of those moments.

But here’s the thing. I expected to be tired then. Everyone told me to get ready for sleepless nights. People asked about how much the baby was sleeping, if I was getting any rest, like it was part of the checklist.

What no one told me was that I’d be tired basically forever.

Now, with three kids over age seven, I’m still tired. All the time! And honestly, I kind of hate it. But what I hate most is that I’m usually exhausted when it matters most, like in the evenings, when I’m with my family.

It’s not just you. It’s an epidemic.

If you’re nodding your head reading this, you’re definitely not alone. Over 60% of parents report feeling burned out, according to the American Psychological Association.

And it’s not just about being tired. Research shows that parental burnout makes us emotionally check out from our kids. Which sounds dramatic, but if we’re honest, we know what that looks like in real life: scrolling our phones when we should be present, snapping at our kids over tiny things, or feeling numb when we actually want to feel connected.

So I’ve been thinking a lot about this question: How do we protect some energy for the moments that matter?

Because if we don’t figure that out, we end up giving our kids whatever scraps are left over after the world gets our best, and that’s not the parent any of us want to be.

Where does our energy actually go?

We think of energy as physical, like how much sleep we get or if we drank enough water (although both of those things do help).

But parenting drains energy in ways no one talks about.

Mental load: all the "Did I sign the permission slip? Are we out of milk? Is that a cough or the start of something worse?" thoughts running constantly in the background.

Emotional labor: managing everyone’s feelings all day, trying to stay calm during meltdowns, putting on a good face when you just want to hide in the pantry.

Decision fatigue: making about 47 tiny choices before lunch, like what to pack for snacks and how much screen time to allow.

Physical exhaustion: sure, from lack of sleep or running around, but sometimes from not moving enough, too.

And then…monotony. The quiet energy drain no one warns you about. Doing the same routines, answering the same questions, packing the same lunches, enforcing the same bedtime battles. It’s like being stuck on a hamster wheel that someone keeps speeding up.

How to save energy for what matters

Here are some things that have helped me (and some I’m still working on) to keep a little gas in the tank for the moments I care about most.

During the Day

• Block 5-minute breaks between meetings like they’re non-negotiable. And actually use them — sit, breathe, stare into space, whatever.

• Say "no" to one thing a day. Skip a meeting, don’t answer that email, don’t volunteer for another bake sale. One less thing to carry.

• Brain dump before "clocking out" — write down unfinished tasks so you’re not mentally working while also trying to do bedtime.

Transitioning to Parent Mode

• Sit for two minutes in your car or on your couch or in your office before shifting into "parent mode."

• Blast your favorite song on the way home, something that reminds you who you are outside of being a parent.

• Eat a snack before walking in the door. A high protein snack that won't leave you hangry when you face your kids' chaos.

• Set one tiny intention for the night: "I’m going to laugh with them" or "I'm not checking my phone until bedtime."

In the Evening

• Have low-energy connection rituals ready: "Would You Rather" at dinner, a 5-minute dance party, or a prompt from your Parint quest.

• Create simple traditions to look forward to: Taco Tuesday, board game night , or family show night.

• Involve Your Children: Engaging them in simple tasks like turning off the lights or taking out the trash, as it teaches responsibility and breaks things up.

• Celebrate effort: Praise your partner and raise each other up!

For Life in General

• Ask for help without guilt. Let people show up for you.

• Outsource where you can. We’ll spend money on dinner out but hesitate to pay for help. Shift the spend to things that actually give you your energy back.

• Put yourself on your to-do list. One thing for you daily — watch a show, call a friend, or can I dare say, a hobby?

I leave you with this

Here’s what I’ve realized: Parenting is as much about energy management as it is about time management.

If we want to show up for the moments that matter — the connection, the fun, the love — we have to protect the energy to actually be there.

So if you’ve been wondering why you feel like you’re running on empty, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because this is a heavy lift, and it’s okay to find ways to make it lighter.

What’s one way you’re going to protect your energy this week?

Get off screens. Be present.

Between screens, packed schedules, and never-ending to-dos, it’s easy to feel like quality time with your child is slipping away.

Parint Adventure Club helps you make the most of everyday moments, turning small pockets of time into meaningful connections. Along the way, your child will build essential life skills like gratitude, leadership, and communication through hands-on play.

Each month, you’ll get a themed quest filled with 3 bite-sized challenges that turn connection into an adventure. No prep, no planning, just fun.

“My daughter found it really fun and engaging. Parint gave us quick bite-sized moments of presence, which is so important.”
— Parent of a 6-year-old

First adventure free!

This week, I hit my limit. Not just my Instagram time (that happens daily). I hit my limit with managing devices in my house.

I wasn’t feeling well, so I decided to take a nap one afternoon, trusting my kids to keep themselves busy.

I woke up to find all three glued to YouTube: one on an iPad, two watching shorts on the TV.

How did this happen? I had spent hours setting up parental controls, restrictions, time limits. And yet, here we were. I wish I had more patience in that moment, but honestly? I was at my wits’ end.

And then it hit me. Maybe the real problem wasn’t their screen time. Maybe it was mine.

How we got here

We’re just as device-loaded as any family:

Once our kids were old enough to watch a show while traveling, they each got an iPad (~3 years old).

When my daughter turned 10, we got her an Apple Watch for safety and communication.

We’re holding off on phones as long as possible. I’m hoping we can make it to high school with my 12-year-old. A 2021 report by Common Sense Media found that 91% of 14-year-olds have a smartphone—so if we make it, we’ll be in the minority.

And that’s just the kids.

What about my husband and me?

• We’re on our phones constantly.

• I have an Apple Watch.

• We have Kindles.

• We manage everything through an app—our lights, our music, our grocery lists.

• We have Google Homes in half our rooms.

I’d love to say we model healthy tech habits, but the truth is…we don’t. And our kids are watching every second of it.

What does the research say

We all know too much screen time isn’t great for kids. But I just want to reinforce some crazy stats:

The younger a child gets a phone, the worse their mental well-being is. A study by Sapien Labs found that mental health improves the later a child gets a smartphone.

Mental wellbeing improves with older age of first smartphone. Source: Sapien Labs

Our phone habits directly shape our children’s emotional intelligence. A UC Santa Barbara study of >400 parents of 5-12 year olds found that the biggest factor affecting a child’s emotional intelligence was whether their parent used a phone in front of them. And we know EI is going to be ever more important in the age of AI.

It’s not just about screen time—it’s about connection. When we’re on our devices, we have what’s called a “still face”, expressionless, unresponsive, and distracted. Studies show that when kids see this look from a parent, they interpret it as a sign of disinterest, detachment, or even sadness.

They may not come to us with that important question. We might not hear their funny story.

Still face in action

So, what can we do?

I’m not about to go off the grid. But if I want my kids to have a healthier relationship with technology, I have to go first.

Here’s what we’re trying:

1. Explain the “why.” If we just make rules without explaining them, our kids will find ways around them. Instead of, “You’re not allowed on TikTok,” we say: “TikTok is designed to keep you scrolling for hours, and we don’t want that controlling your time.”

2. Wait as long as possible before giving them a phone. The longer we wait, the better their mental health. Period.

3. Prioritize interactive tech over passive tech. A video game played with a sibling is better than mindless scrolling.

4. Let them connect with friends. We don’t want them to feel cut off from their social world. Our solution? Let them text with approved friends but they know you can monitor their messages at any time.

5. Set real boundaries on screen time. For us, that means 60-minute sessions on Friday and Saturday nights. No endless screen time after school. But airplane travel? No rules.

6. Create device-free zones. For us, it’s the dinner table, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Parents have to follow these rules too!

7. Set up parental controls, but don’t rely on them. I’ve learned the hard way: settings get bypassed, workarounds are found. Our kids will be tech-smarter than us before we know it.

8. Most importantly: Be the role model. If I’m telling my kids to put their screens away, I need to do the same. That means putting my phone down, looking them in the eye, and being present.

The hardest part? It starts with us.

Manchester High School in Connecticut recently banned cell phones, locking them away during the school day. The result? Higher grades. Better attendance. Fewer fights.

I believe more schools will take this step because the data is clear.

As for us adults, no one is babysitting or writing rules for us.

We make our own choices.

I don’t know exactly how my kids will handle technology as they grow up. But I do know this: if I want them to have a healthy relationship with screens, I have to go first.

What’s worked for you? I’d love to hear!

Get off screens. Connect IRL.

Between screens, packed schedules, and never-ending to-dos, it’s easy to feel like quality time with your child is slipping away.

Parint Adventure Club helps you make the most of everyday moments, turning small pockets of time into meaningful connections. Along the way, your child will build essential life skills like gratitude, leadership, and communication through hands-on play.

Each month, you’ll get a themed quest filled with 3 bite-sized challenges that turn connection into an adventure. No prep, no planning, just fun.

“My daughter found it really fun and engaging. Parint gave us quick bite-sized moments of presence, which is so important.”
— Parent of a 6-year-old

Start your first adventure for free!

As I’ve been building Parint, I’ve noticed something surprising: The smallest parenting tips often create the biggest “a-ha” moments.

For example, I once suggested to a dad that he bring a sticker activity to lunch with his daughter.

• It kept his 5-year-old occupied.

• It helped them connect.

• It prevented a hangry meltdown.

For me, this was normal. I’ve kept a go-to bag in the car with coloring books, stickers, and card games since my kids were little. But for him, it was a game-changer. He had never thought of it before, and it completely transformed their meal and something they continue to do.

It got me thinking: How many parenting “unlocks” do we all have that we don’t even realize?

Parenting is a decision-making marathon

The average adult makes about 35,000 decisions a day. I had to look that up multiple times because it didn’t even sound real.

Most of these are tiny like what to eat, whether to check our phone, how to respond to an email, etc. but they add up. And they’re exhausting. This decision-making fatigue, is been proven to drain our energy and increase stress.

And kids are making 3,000 decisions a day. While significantly less than adults, it’s still a lot! Our role is to help them make decisions, but also reduce some of that fatigue for our kids.

To cope, we develop shortcuts or small hacks that help remove friction. We might:

• Pick out clothes the night before to avoid the morning rush.

• Have a set breakfast rotation so we don’t waste time deciding.

• Use timer to know when to stop brushing teeth.

These little tricks aren’t just convenient. They’re survival mechanisms.

The hacks we’ve created

As your child has grown, you’ve created all sorts of micro-hacks without even realizing it. Here are a few:

Bedtime: Let your child choose between two pajamas so they feel in control.
Grooming: Use a 2-minute sand timer for toothbrushing to make it fun.
Mealtime: Keep a snack drawer with healthy options so kids can grab what they want.
Travel: Stash kids’ magazines in the car to prevent backseat fights.

Yes, parenting books and expert strategies are great. But in daily life? It’s the little things that make the biggest impact.

These tiny tweaks are the difference between a chaotic day and one that actually feels manageable.

Let’s share our hacks

You’re one of hundreds of parents reading Boardroom to Parint every week. Imagine if we pooled our best parenting hacks into one shared resource. How much easier would things be?

Here’s how to contribute:

1️⃣ Think of your favorite parenting hack, the small thing that makes your life easier. Ask yourself:

• What’s a recent routine problem I solved?

• What’s something I do to make a typically tough time of day easier?

3️⃣ Add it to this shared list (or reply and let me know)

I’ll review, organize, and share it back so we can all learn from each other.

Your tiny trick might be the exact thing another parent needs to make their day just a little bit easier.

A Sanrio time machine

Last month, I drove up to Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. It was heaven for 9-year-old Sheena.

There was a Sanrio store. With a line out the door.

Once inside, my daughter and I combed through the racks of Hello Kitty stickers, Keroppi keychains, Pocchaco bags. We left with a dent in my wallet and smiles on our faces.

There was something special about this moment. I got to travel back in time, reconnect with something I loved as a kid, and share that feeling with my daughter. For a few minutes, we were both kids in a candy store.

The power of nostalgia marketing

Nostalgia marketing isn’t just about selling a product. It’s about selling a memory.

It’s everywhere.

Instead of just marketing to kids, brands are marketing to us too.

The anti-corporate side of you might roll your eyes. Another recycled idea. Another attempt to squeeze a few more dollars out of us.

But here’s my take.

These brands are giving us a bridge to connect with our kids. They’re creating a reason to tell stories, a moment to be playful, a way to share something that meant something to us when we were young.

Yeah, you might spend a little money. Just like I did at the Sanrio store. But what you’re really paying for is the experience.

Source: Forbes

The three types of nostalgia marketing

Leaning into shared experiences

Some brands aren’t just bringing back old products. They’re creating experiences that parents and kids can enjoy together.

🎥 Lego’s Piece by Piece. If you haven’t seen this yet, add it to your next family movie night. It’s a documentary on Pharrell’s life told through LEGO characters. But more importantly, it’s a time machine to the 2000s, packed with Billboard hits that will instantly take parents back.

Jay Z and Pharrell in Piece by Piece; Credit: Lego

🏈 Pop-Tarts’ Sports-First Comeback. Pop-Tarts is now a sports brand. Yes, really. They became the title sponsor of a college football bowl game, launched wild collaborations like Pop-Tart-flavored Krispy Kreme donuts, and have managed to grow sales for 32 straight years.

Reviving iconic characters

Some brands are bringing back characters from our childhoods and giving them a modern twist.

🌈 Care Bears Go Digital. The lovable, cloud-bouncing bears of the ‘80s are back through video games and new 21st-century characters like Unity Bear and Togetherness Bear. And yes, I happily dropped $50 on my daughter’s Care Bear costume because I wish I had one when I was her age.

😻 Lisa Frank, Reborn. The neon-leopard-print queen of our childhood is making a comeback with pajamas, nail stickers, and even adult fashion collabs. It’s nostalgia with a Gen Z glow-up.

Reinventing classic products

Some brands aren’t just bringing back old products. They’re evolving them for a new generation.

📸 Polaroid’s Instant Comeback. In a world where everything is digital, Polaroid has found a way to make instant film cool again. They’ve launched modern versions of their classic cameras, complete with Bluetooth and digital integration, while still keeping that vintage instant-photo magic that parents remember from their childhoods.

🐣 Tamagotchi, Reborn for the Digital Age. The pocket-sized pet we obsessed over in the ‘90s is back, but now it connects to apps, has color screens, and even features collaborations with franchises like Star Wars and Hello Kitty. It’s the same experience we had as kids—caring for a tiny, pixelated pet—but now with modern tech that makes it even more interactive.

This list goes on and on, and you probably have your own favorite throwbacks (reply and tell me what they are!).

What this means for you as a parent

Nostalgia isn’t just marketing. It’s a tool.

Share your stories. Kids love hearing about what life was like when you were their age. To them, it sounds like the prehistoric era. You had to call someone’s house and talk to their parents first? No YouTube? No iPads? Tell them what you did for fun.

Let yourself play. Most of our days are spent working, handling logistics, and staring at screens. These throwback brands give us permission to be kids again, with our kids.

Enjoy it, but don’t let it own you. These brands are good at making you feel like you need to buy something to relive your childhood. You don’t. The best nostalgia isn’t something you buy. It’s something you share.

Final thought

Parenting today looks different than when we grew up. Our kids have different technology, different pressures, and a completely different culture.

But nostalgia? That’s our bridge.

It’s one of the few things that can bring parents and kids together in an authentic way.

So lean into it. Share your stories. Play a little. And next time you see a Sanrio store, a LEGO movie, or a Care Bear costume, maybe let yourself have just as much fun as your kid.

Pause the Grind. Embrace Play.

Between schedules, screens, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to miss the small, joyful moments with your child.

Our monthly adventure quests help you slow down and reconnect without adding to your to-do list.

📬 Each week, you’ll get a postcard with a simple, playful challenge. Solve a riddle, play a silly game, or spark a creative conversation. No planning, no pressure—just a reason to pause and enjoy time together.

For kids aged 5-8. Try your first month free!

Get Started

What parents are talking about

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been talking to a lot of parents about what’s hard and what they’re doing to stay sane.

By far, the number one thing they bring up is the overwhelming number of tasks that fill their days. There’s never enough time for everything.

One parent put it perfectly:
"It took me a while to realize that time, not money, is my most valuable asset."

The rise of “parental automation”

We’re moving beyond outsourcing. Parents are starting to see their lives the way CEOs see companies—identifying what actually needs their time and attention and outsourcing the rest.

This is “Parental Automation”: using people, tech, and services to handle life’s logistics.

Some parents set an annual goal: find five more things to delegate.

It’s not just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming energy. When you’re spending five minutes here and 15 minutes there on endless to-dos, it adds up.

In fact, studies show that parents spend an average of 2.5-3 hours per day on household tasks and shopping. And somehow, some people even manage to fit in 3-4 hours of leisure time. (Who are these people?!)

4 categories to hack your life

Here are four key areas where parents are automating their lives.

🏡 Home Simplifiers

✅ Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping: AI-powered meal planning & automated grocery delivery (Ollie, Maple, Cart Drop)
✅ Meal Prep: Hiring a personal chef or fully prepped meal delivery (Sakara, Blue Apron, CookUnity)
✅ Household Assistants: Finding an in-home helper for laundry, errands, and organizing (Facebook Groups, Thumbtack, Craigslist)

🤖 Digital Assistants

✅ Virtual Admins: AI-powered scheduling, research, and appointment booking (Sundays, Yohana)
✅ Homework Help: Apps that give kids instant answers & explanations (Brainly)
✅ Family Calendars: AI-powered reminders for school events, RSVPs, and doctor’s appointments (Ohai, Maple)

👩‍👦 Parenting Experts on Demand

✅ Life Stage Experts: Paying experts like potty and sleep experts to handle these painful life stages
✅ Teen Mentors: Hiring high school/college students to engage with kids in shared interests instead of traditional babysitting
✅ Manners Coaches: Programs that teach kids table manners & social confidence like cotillion programs

🎉 IRL Experiences

✅ Fun Concierge: Someone who schedules all of your family outings, vacations, and kids' social events
✅ Birthday Planning: AI or human assistants that handle gift lists, RSVPs, and event logistics
✅ Family Bonding: Services like Parint that make it easy for parents and kids to have fun and connect without the planning

ChatGPT tells me that if you outsourced everything listed above, it would cost $1,500 to $3,000+ per month. Reasonable? That is up to you to decide.

The mindset shift

For some, outsourcing is second nature. Maybe you grew up with it, or you’ve earned enough to feel comfortable with it.

But for others, it’s a struggle. One mom I spoke to grew up in an immigrant household where every dollar was scrutinized. Spending money on something you could do yourself? No way.

he told me it took years to shift her mindset, but once she saw the payoff, she was hooked. Now, she’s making it a goal to outsource as much of home life as possible, including cleaning, food, scheduling, and more.

What will you do with that time?

Once you start outsourcing, you might expect to have hours of free time. That’s both true and false.

Yes, you’ll no longer be buried in these tasks. But time has a way of filling itself.

The real question is—what will you fill it with? A hobby? Time outside? Sitting in your child’s room and playing a game for once? Taking a much-needed nap?

At Parint, we believe that time isn’t just about having more of it. It’s about using it in ways that actually matter. We make it easy for families to step out of the daily grind and into meaningful connection, without adding more to their plates.

So tell me—what’s one thing you’d happily outsource?

Break the Routine.

Make Time for What Matters.

Between schedules, screens, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to miss the small, joyful moments with your kids.

Parint helps you create those moments with simple, fun challenges sent in the mail. No planning, no extra effort—just an easy way to connect.

📬 Each week, you’ll get a postcard with a quick activity. Solve a riddle, play a silly game, or start a creative conversation. At the end of the month, a family adventure brings it all together.

Designed for kids aged 5-8. Try your first month free!

Sign-up for our March group today!

About last weekend

Saturday night, I was sitting with some friends after a long day of keeping our kids entertained. We were all wiped. Someone asked, “Why does this feel so hard sometimes?”

At first, we joked about how kids have unlimited energy while adults run on caffeine and glasses of wine. But as we talked, we started digging into something deeper—why does parenting feel like something you’re constantly trying to keep up with?

One answer might lie in how we use the word itself.

Parent vs. parent

Saying “I am a parent” is a statement of fact. It’s a role you have, like being a friend, a sibling, or a human who needs eight hours of sleep but gets five. No one can argue with it.

Saying “I parent” turns it into an action—something active, ongoing, and, let’s be honest, something you can feel like you’re doing wrong. It puts pressure on the idea that you should constantly be improving, optimizing, and getting better at raising kids.

When did this shift happen?

When “parenting” became a job

Linguistically, "parent" has been a noun for centuries, but its use as a verb really took off in the 1970s. The rise of “parenting” as an active pursuit was influenced by a few key cultural shifts:

More moms entered the workforce – With both parents working, new conversations emerged about how to balance career and home life. Suddenly, raising kids wasn’t just something you did—it was something you managed.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The explosion of parenting advice – In the mid-20th century, experts like Dr. Spock made parenting feel like something that could (and should) be studied, refined, and perfected.

Source: Lessons Learned

Comparison culture took hold - First, it was books. Then TV shows. Then social media. And suddenly, we were all watching people "parenting" better than us. According to a study by Zero to Three, 64% of parents report that TV portrayals influence their parenting choices.

These changes weren’t bad—but they came with an unintended side effect: the pressure to always be doing more

The problem with parenting as a skill

When we treat parenting like a skill—something to train, improve, and master—it creates an impossible standard. Parenting is never done. There’s no test where you pass and get a certificate saying, Congratulations! You’re a fully competent parent now!

Yes, there are things we learn over time. But kids aren’t a project. Some days, you feel like the world’s most patient and engaged parent. Other days, you hand them an iPad and count the minutes until bedtime. That’s not failure. That’s just life.

And yet, because we view “parent” as a verb, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly being graded.

Social media only amplifies this. Just like you can watch someone’s flawless golf swing and feel like your game needs work, you can see someone’s curated family moments and wonder if you’re measuring up.

What if we stopped "parenting"?

I’m not saying we stop caring. But what if we stopped thinking of raising kids as something we need to optimize and instead focused on simply being?

Instead of “parenting,” we:

• Show up

• Listen

• Support

• Love

Your kids will learn more from watching how you live—how you treat people, handle stress, and navigate life—than from any specific parenting technique.

Instead, ask this one question:

“Am I being the kind of person I want my kids to learn from?”

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just parenting—you’re living alongside them. And that’s what they’ll remember most.

Thanks for tuning in this week!

Pause the Grind. Embrace the Joy.

Between schedules, screens, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to miss the small, joyful moments with your child.

Our monthly adventure quests help you slow down and reconnect without adding to your to-do list.

📬 Each week, you’ll get a postcard with a simple, playful challenge. Solve a riddle, play a silly game, or spark a creative conversation. No planning, no pressure—just a reason to pause and enjoy time together.

For kids aged 5-8. Try your first month free!

Get Started

You made it through another week! Was it a blur?

Looking to spark some joy and feel more connected as a parent?

Join other purposeful parents on monthly quests with their kids! Every week, you’ll receive a fun postcard in the mail with a connection challenge—like solving a riddle, playing a goofy game, or diving into a creative discussion topic. End the quest with a real-world adventure.

If you have a child aged 5-8, sign up now and get your first month free—just cover shipping!

Get Started

The power of communication

I’ve always been drawn to the art of communication. As a competitive debater, podcast host, and someone who worked at a company analyzing sales conversations with AI, it’s been a central part of my life.

But even with all that, it took me a while to truly understand the power of communication with our kids.

Sure, we talk to our kids every day, about routines, tasks, and the occasional deeper conversation during bedtime or in the car.

But when I talk to parents, one of the biggest challenges they share is this:
“My child doesn’t open up.”

Or worse, they fear that as their kids grow into teens, communication will only get harder.

The truth is, conversation with kids isn’t just a small thing—it’s a huge unlock for connection, growth, and meaning, now and in the future.

So today, I’m sharing my favorite tips and research-backed strategies for having the best conversations with your child.

What a conversation is and isn’t

Not every exchange is a conversation. Just like at work, talking doesn’t always equal connection. At home, conversation is not:

• Disciplining your child

• Lecturing or teaching a lesson

• Listing to-dos or reminders

While these things are necessary, they aren’t the back-and-forth interaction that defines true conversation. A conversation happens with your child, not at your child.

Here’s why this matters:

A study by MIT researchers on children ages 4-6 found that the number of “conversational turns” (the back-and-forth exchanges between parent and child) directly impacts brain development and language skills.

As parents, we have a huge opportunity to boost our child’s development—just by having real conversations with them.

How to build great conversation

Here are some tried-and-true tips for meaningful, rich conversations:

1. Choose the right moment

Meaningful conversations happen best when your child is fed, rested, and comfortable like at bedtime or the dinner table. If they approach you when you’re busy, and it feels important, try to carve out time. It might not always fit your schedule, but it’s worth it.

2. Ask open-ended questions

Start with “How,” “Why,” or “Imagine if…” This gives kids space to elaborate and share what’s in their hearts and minds.

3. Follow up

If your child shares something, go deeper. Ask, “Why do you think that?” or “What made you choose that?” It shows you’re truly listening.

4. Make it playful

Kids’ imaginations are boundless—meet them there! Ask something fun like, “Imagine we were a LEGO family. What would we eat for dinner?” Playfulness invites creativity and connection. (Inspired by The Art of Talking with Children by Rebecca Rolland.)

5. Try side-by-side moments

Eye contact can feel intense for kids. Sitting side by side—like in the car or lying in bed—creates a more relaxed atmosphere for them to open up.

6. Use writing as a bridge

If verbal conversations feel tough, try a shared journal. Parent-child journals create a safe, structured way to connect and share thoughts. Get one here: Mom/Daughter; Mom/Son; Dad/Daughter; Dad/Son.

7. Lean into their interests

IWhen was the last time you dove into what they love—Pokémon, Roblox, Ariana Grande, or Bluey? Do a little homework, learn a few fun facts, and surprise them. Showing interest in their passions strengthens your connection and makes them feel seen.

Life gets in the way

Real talk: Life is busy. Here’s how to handle common hurdles:

Traveling for work? Use FaceTime or phone calls. Play a voice-based game or doodle together online—it keeps the interaction playful and meaningful.

Can’t get one-on-one time? While dedicated time is ideal, group conversations at the dinner table or car rides can still foster rich exchanges.

Too tired after work? Give yourself a break. Some days won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. The important thing is to show up when you can, even if it’s just for a few moments.

The takeaway

The majority of your time with your kids happens in a condensed period of years. Make the most of it.

Rich, meaningful conversations aren’t just nice, they’re transformative. They strengthen your bond today and prepare your kids for the future.

So here’s to creating meaningful moments, one conversation at a time!

Source: Sahil Bloom

How leaders lead at home

I often think about the best leaders I’ve worked with—CEOs, senior executives, and those rare individuals who inspire entire organizations to thrive. I imagine them at home, effortlessly motivating their kids the way they do their employees. Maybe they’re delivering Monday morning pep talks over pancakes or reinforcing family KPIs during dinner.

But here’s the truth: leadership in the workplace and leadership at home aren’t always the same. In fact, the very skills that make someone an exceptional leader at work can sometimes backfire in the chaos of family life.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

The summer of micromanagement

One summer, I thought I’d master both parenting and productivity. I created a detailed agenda for my kids—hour by hour, week by week. Camps, playdates, family outings—it was a masterpiece. My goal? Keep them entertained so I could focus on my work without interruptions.

Here’s what happened instead:

Every day, I found myself frustrated. My kids weren’t sticking to “the plan.” I’d step out of meetings to check on them, only to see my carefully crafted plans unraveling. Instead of making our lives easier, my micromanaging created more stress—for me and for them.

That summer taught me a hard truth: Micromanaging doesn’t work. Not at work, and definitely not at home.

This was just page 1

Are you a micromanager

Let’s do a self-check. If you recognize yourself in these scenarios, you may be falling into micromanagement mode:

• You’re the parent who argues with the coach about playing time or game strategy.

• You dictate what your child wears every day.

• You insist on overseeing every bite at dinner to “make sure they eat enough.”

• You intervene during playdates to check if everything is “going okay.”

• You secretly read their text messages or hover over their online activities.

• You choose their extracurriculars, prioritizing your vision over their interests.

• You immediately contact another parent whenever an issue arises at school.

Sound familiar? Now, ask yourself a tougher question: How many of these would your spouse or co-parent say apply to you?

You won’t regret this SNL skit

Why do we micromanage?

Micromanaging often comes from a place of love and care. But it’s not always helpful. Here’s why we fall into the trap:

• You want them to succeed. You worry that if they fall behind now, they’ll struggle later—in high school, in college, in life.

• You’re craving control. When work or life feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to control what you can—your child’s schedule, activities, or outcomes.

• You’re trying to optimize time. Between work and family, life feels like a constant juggling act. Micromanaging can feel like the fastest way to “make everything work.”

• You want to protect them. You love your kids deeply and want to shield them from failure or pain.

But here’s the truth: micromanaging does more harm than good.

The downside of being overly involved

Think about the worst micromanaging boss you’ve ever had. How did they make you feel? Frustrated? Resentful? Like you couldn’t be trusted to figure things out on your own?

Kids feel the same way when we micromanage. And it goes beyond emotions—there are measurable, long-term impacts.

A study from BYU found that children with helicopter parents tend to have lower self-worth and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Why? Because constant intervention sends the message that they aren’t capable of navigating life on their own.

Research from the University of Minnesota found that kids with over-involved parents struggle to handle challenges independently. They’re less equipped to manage setbacks, whether it’s a tricky math problem or a disagreement with a friend.

As the Gottman Institute puts it:

This inability to solve problems and make decisions on their own can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.

How to parent like a CEO

If your family gave you a 360-degree review of your parenting style, what do you think they’d say? Better yet, ask your kids directly—they’re usually refreshingly honest.

Here’s how to shift from micromanaging to leading with vision:

1. Be the Example: Model the behaviors and values you want to see in your kids. They’re watching and learning.

2. Set the Vision: Articulate your family’s goals and values, then let your kids figure out their own paths to achieve them.

3. Step Back: Resist the urge to intervene. Allow them to navigate challenges like forgotten homework or friendship conflicts.

4. Encourage Problem-Solving: Don’t swoop in to fix everything. Help them think critically and come up with their own solutions.

5. Embrace Boredom: Unstructured time isn’t wasted—it’s where creativity and independence thrive.

6. Let Them Fail: It’s hard to watch, but failure is a critical part of growth.

The summer after my micromanagement disaster, I tried a different approach. I let my kids plan their own schedules (with a few non-negotiables). We cut back on camps and left large blocks of time unscheduled.

The results? They were happier. I was less stressed. And we all had a lot more fun.

What do you think? Ready to let go?

It’s been week

I live in Southern California, and this past week has been consumed by the nearby fires ravaging some of the most beautiful and iconic parts of our state. The images and videos of homes reduced to ashes haunt me. I can’t stop thinking about the people impacted. My heart goes out to them.

We live in a high fire risk area, too, which got me thinking: If we had to evacuate right now, what would I take with me? My mind immediately went to a list—more than ten things, blending practicality, value, and sentiment.

But I was curious about my kids’ perspective, so I asked them at dinner:
“If we had to leave our home and you could only take a backpack of things with you, what would you take?”

Their answers? “Mochi (our pup) and my iPad.”

I smiled.

It was a reminder of how kids focus on the small things that bring them comfort. But it also made me think about the deeper reality for so many others. For those who’ve lost their homes, it’s not just about things. It’s about memories, safety, and the life those walls held. That kind of loss is profound—and it can’t be simplified.

The heart of resilience

That conversation stuck with me. Kids have a way of keeping life simple. They don’t dwell on what’s been lost or what might happen next. They focus on what feels safe and comforting in the moment.

It reminded me of resilience. Resilience isn’t about pretending everything’s fine or bouncing back overnight. It’s about holding onto what matters most when life feels uncertain and finding the strength to move forward, even if it’s just one step at a time.

My own list of “must-takes” wasn’t really about survival—it was about feeling secure. And the truth is, most of the stuff on that list is replaceable. What isn’t replaceable is the ability to carry on and rebuild when the unthinkable happens.

Rethinking what it means to thrive

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to thrive.

A couple of weeks ago, my definition might have been packed with ideas of perfection: excellent health, a great job, happy kids, time for hobbies, and everything running smoothly.

But this week changed my perspective. Thriving isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience.

I looked it up. Merriam-Webster defines thriving as:

Thriving isn’t about having it all together. It’s about finding the strength to move forward, even when things fall apart.

I saw a video this week of a 91-year-old man who lost his home in the Palisades fire. At first, he teared up. Then he said, “I’m tough. I’ll start over again.”

At 91, starting over might seem unimaginable. But that attitude is the essence of resilience. It’s what has carried him this far, and it will carry him further.

@bbcnews

Dale was one of 32,500 people told to flee their homes as a result of the Eaton fire in Pasadena. #Pasadena #EatonFire #Wildfires #LosAnge... See more

The resilient path

This week, I’ve been inspired by the gratitude and hope I’ve seen: people thanking firefighters, neighbors supporting one another, and communities coming together in meaningful ways.

Some losses are beyond words. Losing a home is more than losing a building—it’s losing memories, safety, and a sense of normalcy. I don’t want to minimize how heavy that is.

But resilience doesn’t mean you have to be okay right away. It means finding the strength to keep going, even when it feels impossible.

If nothing else, I hope this serves as a reminder to hold close the things that truly matter: your family, your health, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Sending love to any of you who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the Los Angeles fires.

Reflecting on the year, begrudgingly

The other night, as I was lying in bed before passing out, I asked my husband, "What’s one memory that stood out to you this year?"

His first response? "Right now?!? I’m so exhausted."

Fair enough. But this is when my brain actually has space to reflect, so I pushed him to answer.

Eventually, we landed on the same moment: taking the kids to their first concert in Los Angeles to see Conor Price, one of their favorite artists. (Check him out for clean, fun rap.)

The anticipation before the show. The sheer excitement in their eyes when he stepped on stage. The glow on Zara’s face when he high-fived her. It was magic. And let’s be honest—I had the time of my life too, singing my heart out like I was 15 again.

Of course, not everything went perfectly (we lost our swag bag and had an epic meltdown at the end), but it didn’t matter. This night became a core memory for our family.

It happened because we made it happen

The only reason this memory exists is because we decided to make it happen. At the start of the year, we said: "The kids are old enough. They love music. Let’s share the magic of live music with them."

Planned moments like these bring so much joy—not just in the moment but in the lead-up and long after.

• Kids value shared experiences with family: Research shows that younger kids often value material gifts more than experiences, but as they grow, shared experiences become far more meaningful. This concert wasn’t just a fun night—it was a building block in how we connect as a family.

• The joy of anticipation: Psychologists have found that looking forward to an experience can bring as much happiness as the experience itself. For weeks before the concert, the kids couldn’t stop talking about what songs he might sing, and months later, they’re still bringing it up.

• Something extra special about a “first”: Finally, first-time experiences stick with us longer because they’re tied to strong emotions. For our family, this wasn’t just a concert. It was a first—a memory that’ll last far longer than the high-five or the swag bag we lost.

Get set up for next year

As the year comes to a close, take a moment to think about one magic moment you want to create in 2024.

It doesn’t have to be a concert—it could be anything:

• Service: Volunteer together to teach the value of giving back.

• Travel: Introduce your kids to a new culture or explore somewhere you’ve never been.

• Tradition: Revisit an old family ritual or reconnect with your heritage.

• Adventure: Plan for a milestone—your kid’s first camping trip, road trip, or big event.

The best memories don’t just happen. They’re crafted with love, effort, and intention. Sure, something will go wrong (it always does), but that’s part of the magic.

So, what’s the one moment you’ll create next year? I’d love to hear your ideas—reply and share your plans!

Reply and tell me!

Alright, here we are. The holiday break. Two glorious weeks where the kids are home, there’s no school to save you, and you’re left asking, “What the heck am I supposed to do with them?”

You had big dreams of cozy family bonding—matching PJs, baking cookies, everyone smiling in front of the tree. But here’s reality: Day one, they’re already fighting over who gets the remote. By day three, you’re hiding in the bathroom scrolling Instagram.

Here’s the thing: Your kids don’t need elaborate crafts or an itinerary that rivals a corporate retreat. They just need you. But connecting with them? Easier said than done.

Lucky for you, I’ve got a playbook: 4 simple, science-backed ways to engage with your kids so you actually survive thrive this holiday break.

PS: My holiday gift for you is at the end.

The 4 science-backed pillars of connection

1. Conversation

Kids are full of stories, questions, and observations—if you can catch them in the right mood. Whether they’re recounting every detail of recess or giving you one-word answers, the way you engage with them shapes how safe they feel opening up.

Tips for Great Conversations:

• Pick the Right Moment: Kids tend to open up when they’re relaxed, like during car rides, bedtime, or while doing something together (like cooking or walking).

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Swap “How was your day?” for “What made you laugh today?” or “What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this week?”

• Go Deeper: Ask why 5 times to really understand what they’re thinking.

• Be Playful: Use games like “Would You Rather” or “This or That” to spark a fun dialogue.

• Share Your Stories: Kids love hearing about your childhood—especially the embarrassing parts.

2. Play

For kids, play isn’t just fun—it’s how they process the world, manage stress, and feel seen. When you get down on their level and join in, you’re telling them: “You matter to me.”

Play Ideas for All Ages:

• Imaginative Play: Build a fort, create a scavenger hunt, or make up silly characters together.

• Games: Card games, puzzles, or a family board game night.

• Physical Play: Go for a bike ride, create an indoor obstacle course, or challenge them to a dance-off.

• Let Them Lead: Ask them to teach you a game they love—it’s a fun way to step into their world.

3. Creativity

Kids love to create, and the holidays are the perfect time to channel their energy into something fun and collaborative. Whether it’s crafting, storytelling, or baking, creative activities let you bond while making something memorable (even if it’s a little messy).

Creative Activities to Try:

• Crafts: Make holiday decorations, cards, or DIY gifts.

• Storytelling: Write a short story together, or have them illustrate a holiday scene while you narrate.

• Music & Drama: Write a silly family song or act out a skit.

• Baking: Decorate cookies or build a gingerbread house. Bonus: You get a snack at the end!

4. Real-World Experiences

Kids might not remember every gift they unwrap, but they’ll always remember the things you did together. Whether it’s an outing, a new experience, or giving back to your community, shared moments like these create lifelong memories.

Ideas for Real-World Fun:

1. Food Adventures: Try hot cocoa at a new café or go try a new cuisine.

2. Cultural Outings: Visit a museum, explore a holiday market, or see a local play.

3. Nature: Go on a snowy hike, have a backyard campfire, or explore a local park.

4. Service: Volunteer together—whether it’s a food drive, delivering cookies to neighbors, or helping at an animal shelter.

Connection is the best gift

This holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of to-do lists, shopping, and schedules. But the greatest gift you can give your kids is your time.

So this holiday season, forget the pressure to plan every minute. Pick one of these four pillars and start there. Because the best gift you can give your kids isn’t found in a store—it’s you. (And maybe a snack. Kids are always hungry.)

My gift for you

Here’s your holiday gift: print out this PDF with an easy to view list of activities for the winter break. Tag us in your adventures @parintapp

DOWNLOAD IT HERE