30 best collagen supplements for pregnancy

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Sep 27, 2023

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In the journey of pregnancy, maintaining optimal health is of paramount importance, and collagen supplements have emerged as potential allies in promoting overall well-being for both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. With maternal bodily changes in mind, we explore a curated selection of the 30 best collagen supplements tailored to support the unique requirements of pregnancy. Recent research underscores the significance of collagen in enhancing skin elasticity, a crucial consideration as 95% of women experience some degree of skin stretching during pregnancy, while the protein’s role in fortifying joints gains prominence given that up to 75% of pregnant women report musculoskeletal discomfort.

30 best collagen supplements for pregnancy

Elm & Rye Collagen Supplements

If you’re pregnant, you might be wondering if you should be taking any additional supplements to support the health of you and your growing baby. Collagen supplements are a great option for expecting mothers as they not only help support healthy skin, hair, and nails but also aid in joint and bone health. Elm & Rye’s collagen supplements are formulated specifically for pregnancy, using high-quality ingredients like grass-fed bovine collagen and vitamin C to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Additionally, their supplements are flavorless, making them easy to add to your favorite drinks or food without any added fuss. With Elm & Rye’s collagen supplements, you can feel confident in supporting your body during this exciting phase of life.

Mindbodygreen Beauty & Gut Collagen+ Powder

Collagen supplements have become an increasingly popular way to support skin, hair, and nail health. While many people turn to collagen supplements for their beauty benefits, they can also play an important role in supporting gut health. Mindbodygreen’s Beauty & Gut Collagen+ Powder is one example of a product that offers both beauty and gut health benefits. This collagen supplement is made with grass-fed bovine collagen and also includes prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support. For pregnant individuals, collagen supplements may be especially beneficial for skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It’s always important to check with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine, especially during pregnancy.

PROTIVA Nurture Pregnancy Collagen Powder for Women

As women grow and nurture a life inside of them during pregnancy, their bodies undergo significant changes, which can take a toll on their skin. This is where PROTIVA Nurture Pregnancy Collagen Powder for Women comes into play. Finding collagen supplements for pregnancy can be essential for women who want to maintain healthy, radiant skin throughout their pregnancy journey. This powder delivers essential nutrients like collagen Type I, III, and IV, prebiotics, and probiotics, making it an all-in-one option for pregnant women. The powder is also tested and approved by OB-GYN doctors and does not contain any synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, or sweeteners. With PROTIVA Nurture Pregnancy Collagen Powder for Women, pregnant women can nourish their skin, while also nourishing their growing babies from the inside out.

Needed. Expertly-Formulated & Tested Prenatal Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein Powder

Expecting mothers are constantly searching for the right supplements to support the growth and development of their babies. Now, there is a new player in town for the health and wellness of mother and baby – expertly formulated prenatal hydrolyzed collagen protein powder. This supplement is specially designed to support pregnant and breastfeeding mothers with essential nutrients and protein, and with hydrolyzed collagen, the protein absorption rate is increased for maximum benefits. This collagen supplement for pregnancy has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Not only does it promote a healthy pregnancy, but it also supports postpartum recovery. Say goodbye to the guesswork and give your baby the best with prenatal hydrolyzed collagen protein powder.

Biomeology Prenatal Collagen Peptides

Pregnancy is an incredibly important time in a woman’s life, and taking care of her body is more critical than ever. That’s where collagen supplements for pregnancy come in. Biomeology’s prenatal collagen peptides have been specially formulated to provide essential nutrients for both mother and baby during this crucial time. Collagen is a vital protein that helps support healthy skin, nails, hair, and joints, so it’s no surprise that it’s also beneficial during pregnancy. These supplements are high in amino acids that are essential for fetal development, making them an excellent choice for expectant mothers looking to support their growing baby’s health. Whether you’re struggling with skin elasticity or joint pain during pregnancy, Biomeology’s prenatal collagen peptides are a fantastic way to give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Beli Prenatal Collagen

As an expectant mother, taking care of yourself and your growing baby is of utmost importance. One way to support your body during pregnancy is through the use of collagen supplements designed specifically for this special time. Beli Prenatal Collagen is a great option for women looking to enhance the health and appearance of their hair, skin, nails, and joints while also helping to promote healthy fetal development. This unique formula contains key nutrients like zinc, biotin, and folic acid, as well as collagen peptides, to support overall wellness during pregnancy. By simply adding Beli Prenatal Collagen to your daily routine, you can feel confident that you’re giving yourself and your baby the best possible chance for a healthy and happy pregnancy.

Spoiled Child, Liquid Collagen, Extra Strength

Collagen supplements are a popular way to keep your skin looking young and smooth. But did you know that they can also benefit pregnant women? Many collagen supplements, such as those made with liquid collagen, come in extra-strength formulas that can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy skin during pregnancy. While some may worry that taking collagen supplements could cause a spoiled child, there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case. In fact, these supplements have been linked to reduced stretch marks and improved skin elasticity in pregnant women. Consider adding collagen supplements to your daily routine for a healthy and glowing pregnancy.

Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides

Collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous health benefits. Garden of Life’s Grass Fed Collagen Peptides is a top-rated supplement that has gained immense popularity among health enthusiasts. This product is made from premium quality, grass-fed bovine collagen, which makes it a perfect fit for those conscious about their food sources. One of the best things about this supplement is that it can also be used during pregnancy. The added collagen helps increase the body’s protein supply, which is essential during this critical stage. Additionally, it helps maintain the elasticity of the skin, which can help prevent stretch marks. So, with Garden of Life’s Grass Fed Collagen Peptides, you can enjoy a healthier, better-looking body during pregnancy.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular over the years, with many people heralding the benefits of incorporating them into their diets. However, pregnant women may be wondering if it is safe to take collagen supplements during this special time. The answer is yes, and in fact, it may even be beneficial. Collagen peptide powder, like Vital Proteins’ formula, can provide the necessary amino acids to support the maintenance and growth of a healthy pregnancy. Specifically, it can aid in the development of the growing fetus’s skin, joints, and bones. It also has potential benefits for the mother’s health, such as improving skin elasticity and reducing joint pain. Overall, adding collagen peptide powder to a healthy and balanced diet may provide added benefits during pregnancy.

Health Revolution Multi Collagen Peptides Powder

Collagen supplements have been on the rise as more and more people seek to improve their overall health. The Health Revolution Multi Collagen Peptides Powder is a supplement that has stood out amongst the rest for its various benefits. This collagen powder is comprised of five types of collagen – Types I, II, III, V, and X – which work together to promote healthy joints, skin, hair, nails, and gut. While most people may take collagen supplements for general health benefits, pregnant women may find this supplement particularly helpful as it can help support healthy fetal development. With its multitude of benefits, the Health Revolution Multi Collagen Peptides Powder is an excellent addition to any wellness routine.

BioOptimal Collagen Powder

Collagen is a vital protein in the body, responsible for the elasticity of skin, cartilage, and other connective tissues. During pregnancy, women require higher levels of collagen to support the growing fetus, but it can be difficult to obtain enough from diet alone. That’s where BioOptimal Collagen Powder comes in. This supplement is specially formulated to support healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints, making it an excellent choice for pregnant women who want to support their body’s natural collagen production. With its high-quality, grass-fed collagen peptides and easy-to-use formula, BioOptimal Collagen Powder is a great way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need during this important time in your life.

DR EMIL NUTRITION Multi Collagen Pills

Collagen supplements have been increasing in popularity over the past few years due to their potential benefits for skin health, joint health, and more. For pregnant women, collagen supplements may offer additional benefits for both the mother and the baby. DR EMIL NUTRITION’s Multi Collagen Pills provide a convenient and effective option for those looking to supplement their diet with collagen during pregnancy. Collagen is a key component of the skin, bones, and connective tissues, which are crucial for both the growing baby and the mother’s body. By incorporating collagen supplements into their daily routine, pregnant women may support their overall health and wellness, and potentially ease some common pregnancy discomforts. With DR EMIL NUTRITION’s Multi Collagen Pills, you can rest assured that you are providing your body with high-quality collagen from a reliable source.

FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills

Pregnancy is a time of immense joy and excitement, but it can also be challenging for some women. One common issue during pregnancy is the depletion of collagen in the body, which may lead to various health complications. Thankfully, there are collagen supplements available that can help expecting mothers maintain healthy levels of this essential protein. FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills are a great option for women looking to boost their collagen intake during pregnancy. Made from high-quality marine collagen, these pills are easily absorbed by the body, providing a wide range of benefits, from improving skin elasticity to supporting joint health. With FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills, pregnant women can rest assured that they are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and feel their best.

Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex

Collagen is a critical type of protein found in various parts of the human body. When it comes to pregnancy, collagen plays a crucial role in the development and growth of the placenta, the organ that nourishes the unborn baby. Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex is a product designed to help women enhance their collagen levels during pregnancy. This supplement is made of high-quality ingredients, including collagen from four sources, which provides essential amino acids necessary for the body to produce collagen on its own. Collagen supplements for pregnancy are becoming more popular because of the numerous benefits they offer, including better skin elasticity and smoother joint movements. With Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex, women can support their health and their baby’s development, making their pregnancy journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent times, and for good reason. The benefits of collagen are vast and include promoting healthy hair, skin, nails, and, most importantly, supporting your gut health. Collagen supplements like Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement take it one step further by incorporating a gut-healthy blend that includes probiotics and prebiotics. These supplements are not just for fitness enthusiasts or beauty mavens; they are especially useful for pregnant women. Studies show that collagen supplements for pregnancy can help to reduce stretch marks and improve skin elasticity postpartum. Additionally, many expecting mothers experience digestive issues during pregnancy, and these collagen supplements can promote overall gut health, which can aid in digestion. In short, Codeage Multi Collagen + Gut Blend Supplement is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive supplement to support their health while navigating pregnancy.

OPTIWIZE Collagen Plus

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular among pregnant women looking to boost their skin’s health and overall well-being. OPTIWIZE’s Collagen Plus is an excellent option for expecting mothers seeking high-quality collagen supplementation. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for keeping our connective tissues healthy and strong. The addition of collagen supplements to a pregnancy diet can improve skin elasticity, promote joint health, and support healthy hair and nails. OPTIWIZE’s Collagen Plus contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides, making it quick and easy for the body to absorb. Additionally, this product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. Trust OPTIWIZE Collagen Plus to provide exceptional support during your pregnancy journey.

Like Mine Marine Collagen

Collagen supplements such as Like Mine Marine Collagen have become increasingly popular in recent years for their potential health benefits. Among them, pregnant women can benefit from collagen supplements, which can provide the nutritional support needed during pregnancy. Collagen supplements for pregnancy can help support skin elasticity, and joint health, and promote healthy hair and nails. Like Mine Marine Collagen is a premium source of marine collagen that is sustainably sourced from wild-caught fish, making it a safe and reliable option for expectant mothers. Incorporating Like Mine Marine Collagen into one’s pregnancy routine can help support both physical and mental health during this transformative time.

Nature Made Collagen Gummies with Vitamin C, Zinc and Biotin

Nature Made Collagen Gummies with Vitamin C, Zinc, and Biotin offer a convenient way to nourish your body and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin elasticity, bone strength, and joint mobility. For expectant mothers, collagen supplements for pregnancy may also provide added benefits. Vitamin C, zinc, and biotin found in these gummies may help support a healthy immune system and promote healthy pregnancy outcomes. Whether you’re looking to support your pregnancy or simply enhance your overall health, Nature Made Collagen Gummies can help you reach your goals.

Physician’s CHOICE Collagen Peptides Powder w/ Digestive Enzymes

Collagen supplements have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits for the skin, joints, and muscles. However, what many people don’t know is that collagen supplements can also be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy. Physician’s CHOICE Collagen Peptides Powder w/ Digestive Enzymes is a perfect option for pregnant women who want to support their own health as well as the development of their baby. Collagen peptides provide the amino acids that are essential for healthy fetal development, while the digestive enzymes in the powder help to ensure proper nutrient absorption. This supplement is a safe and easy way for expecting mothers to support their bodies and promote optimal health.

Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity in recent years, with people of all ages and backgrounds looking for ways to improve their skin, hair, and overall health. But as more and more women turn to collagen to support healthy pregnancies, the demand for safe and effective collagen supplements for pregnancy has increased. Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder is one option that many women are turning to. Made with plant-based ingredients like amla fruit and bamboo extract, this collagen powder provides a natural boost to collagen production that can support healthy skin, hair, and nails during pregnancy. And since it’s vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, it’s a safe and healthy choice for both mother and baby. If you’re looking for a collagen supplement to support a healthy pregnancy, Rae Wellness Vegan Collagen Boost Powder might be just what you need.

ELMNT Super Collagen Burn

Are you pregnant and looking for a collagen supplement to support your body during this special time? Look no further than ELMNT Super Collagen Burn. This collagen powder is designed to provide support for healthy hair, skin, and nails, while also promoting weight loss and fat burning. Made with hydrolyzed collagen peptides, ELMNT Super Collagen Burn is easily absorbed by the body, making it a highly effective supplement for anyone seeking to enhance their overall health and wellness. Plus, with no artificial fillers or additives, you can feel good about making this product a part of your daily routine during your pregnancy and beyond.

NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder

Collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to support healthy skin, hair, and nails. However, many women wonder if collagen supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. The good news is that NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder is formulated with non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free ingredients, making it a safe choice for expectant mothers. This unique blend contains 6,000mg of collagen with biotin and vitamin C, which work together to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. So, if you’re looking for a beauty supplement that’s safe to take during pregnancy, NeoCell Collagen, Vitamin C & Biotin Supplement, Beauty Builder may be just what you need.

Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen Pills

If you’re looking for a reliable source of collagen supplements during your pregnancy, Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen Pills may just be the answer you’re looking for. Collagen is a crucial protein that our bodies need to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. During pregnancy, our body’s collagen needs increase due to the growth and development of the baby. These collagen supplements from Caribou Nutrition are packed with a variety of collagen types that are essential for supporting healthy joints, bones, and tendons. They are also free of any harmful chemicals or additives, making them safe for pregnant women to consume. Incorporating these multi-collagen pills into your diet may help ensure that both you and your baby are getting the necessary nutrients for optimal health during pregnancy.

Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C

Collagen supplements have grown in popularity over the past few years due to the many benefits they offer, especially for pregnant women. One supplement that stands out is Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C. This highly absorbable supplement provides essential support for mother and baby during pregnancy. Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity, which is especially important for women as their skin stretches to accommodate a growing baby. Additionally, collagen supports healthy bones and joints, which can become strained during pregnancy. Vitamin C further adds to the benefits of collagen, aiding in the absorption of the supplement and supporting the immune system. With Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C, pregnant women can feel confident that they are getting the support they need for a healthy pregnancy.

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder is a popular choice when it comes to collagen supplements. It is made from grass-fed cows and contains a diverse array of nutrients such as collagen, connective tissue, minerals, and glycine. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and joints. In addition, this nutritional powder is perfect for pregnant women who want to incorporate collagen supplements into their diet. Collagen supplements for pregnancy are extremely important because they help support the growth and development of the baby. So, if you’re looking for a collagen supplement that is both nutritious and delicious, look no further than Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Living Collagen Nutritional Powder.

Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity in recent years due to their potential benefits for skin, hair, and joint health. For pregnant women, the use of collagen supplements can provide additional nutritional support for both the mother and developing child. Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder is one option that is specifically formulated to be clean, pure, and easy to digest. This collagen powder is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen, with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, making it a safe choice for women who are expecting. Adding Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder to your daily routine can help support optimum collagen levels during pregnancy and promote overall health and wellness.

NeoCell Super Collagen Powder

Collagen supplements have been growing in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. The benefits of collagen for the body span far and wide, from promoting healthy hair and nails to improving joint health. For pregnant women, collagen supplements can also play a role in supporting the growing baby. NeoCell Super Collagen Powder is a popular option for those looking to boost their collagen intake. This powder is made from hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. While there isn’t much research into the safety of collagen supplements during pregnancy, many women have reported positive results from using NeoCell Super Collagen Powder during this time. As always, it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen while pregnant.

ForestLeaf – Collagen Pills with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C

Collagen supplements are gaining momentum in the wellness industry. One popular brand, ForestLeaf, offers collagen pills with added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. These supplements claim to help improve the overall health and appearance of skin, hair, and nails. But where does that leave expecting mothers? Many people are turning to collagen supplements for pregnancy, as studies have shown that regular collagen intake can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. However, it’s important to note that not all collagen supplements are safe for pregnancy, so it’s important to consult with a medical professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen.

MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy for Hair Skin & Nails

Collagen-boosting supplements have been around for a while, and they’ve seen a steady rise in popularity over the years. One particular brand that has made waves in the supplement world is MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy for Hair Skin & Nails. These gummies are packed with carefully selected ingredients that help support healthy hair, skin, and nails. But did you know that these gummies can also be a great addition to a pregnant woman’s diet? Collagen supplements for pregnancy have become increasingly popular due to their potential benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. MaryRuth’s Collagen Boosting Gummy can help support healthy skin elasticity, provide nourishment for hair, and help strengthen nails, all of which can suffer during pregnancy. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with your doctor before adding it to your regimen.

Sanar Naturals Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, E

As women navigate pregnancy, they often wonder what products they should and shouldn’t use to support their growing baby and maintain their own health. One supplement that has recently gained popularity among pregnant women is Sanar Naturals Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, and E. Collagen supplements are praised for their ability to support healthy skin, hair, and nails, but they also provide essential proteins for bone and joint health. The addition of Vitamin C and E enhances the absorption of collagen, allowing the body to reap the maximum benefits. These collagen pills are a natural way to support overall health during pregnancy without any harsh chemicals or additives. As with any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine.

As the curtain draws on our exploration of the 30 best collagen supplements for pregnancy, it is evident that these meticulously chosen options offer not only potential benefits for skin elasticity, addressing the 95% of pregnant women experiencing skin stretching but also hold promise in mitigating musculoskeletal discomfort, a concern reported by up to 75% of expectant mothers. Navigating the realm of pregnancy requires well-informed choices, and while these collagen supplements can play a supportive role, it’s imperative to consult with healthcare providers before incorporating any new elements into the journey of prenatal care.

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In Partnership With Habitat For Humanity →

Homeowners celebrate the completion of their new home in Cambodia's Siem Reap Province alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers and staff.

Culture, Family

A safe, stable home can change lives for the better. Here’s how Habitat for Humanity wants to make that possible for everyone.

Better health, better jobs, and a brighter future all start with access to a safe, affordable home.

Sarah Watts

3/25/2026
A single door can open up a world of endless possibilities. For homeowners, the front door of their house is a gateway to financial stability, job security, and better health. Yet for many, that door remains closed. Due to the rising costs of housing, 1 in 3 people around the world wake up without the security of safe, affordable housing.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has made it their mission to unlock and open the door to opportunity for families everywhere, and their efforts have paid off in a big way. Through their work over the past 50 years, more than 65 million people have gained access to new or improved housing, and the movement continues to gain momentum. Since 2011 alone, Habitat for Humanity has expanded access to affordable housing by a hundredfold.

A world where everyone has access to a decent home is becoming a reality, but there’s still much to do. As they celebrate 50 years of building, Habitat for Humanity is inviting people of all backgrounds and talents to be part of what comes next through Let’s Open the Door, a global campaign that builds on this momentum and encourages people everywhere to help expand access to safe, affordable housing for those who need it most. Here’s how the foundation to a better world starts with housing, and how everyone can pitch in to make it happen.

Volunteers raise a wall for the framework of a new home during the first day of building at Habitat for Humanity’s 2025 Carter Work Project.

Globally, almost 3 billion people, including 1 in 6 U.S. families, struggle with high costs and other challenges related to housing. A crisis in itself, this also creates larger problems that affect families and communities in unexpected ways. People who lack affordable, stable housing are also more likely to experience financial hardship in other areas of their lives, since a larger share of their income often goes toward rent, utilities, and frequent moves. They are also more likely to experience health problems due to chronic stress or environmental factors, such as mold. Housing insecurity also goes hand-in-hand with unstable employment, since people may need to move further from their jobs or switch jobs altogether to offset the cost of housing.

Affordable homeownership creates a stable foundation for families to thrive, reducing stress and increasing the likelihood for good health and stable employment. Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes with individual families, but it also strengthens entire communities as well. The MicroBuild® Initiative, for example, strengthens communities by increasing access to loans for low-income families seeking to build or repair their homes. Habitat ReStore locations provide affordable appliances and building materials to local communities, in addition to creating job and volunteer opportunities that support neighborhood growth.

Marsha and her son pose for a photo while building their future home with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity in Georgia.

Everyone can play a part in the fight for housing equity and the pursuit of a better world. Over the past 50 years, Habitat for Humanity has become a leader in global housing thanks to an engaged network of volunteers—but you don’t need to be skilled with a hammer to make a meaningful impact. Building an equitable future means calling on a wide range of people and talents.

Here’s how you can get involved in the global housing movement:
- Speaking up on social media about the growing housing crisis
- Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity build in your local community
- Travel and build with Habitat in the U.S. or in one of 60+ countries where we work around the globe
- Join the Let’s Open the Door movement and, when you donate, you can create your own personalized door
- Shop or donate at your local Habitat ReStore
Every action, big and small, drives a global movement toward a better future. A safe home unlocks opportunity for families and communities alike, but it’s volunteers and other supporters, working together with a shared vision, who can open the door for everyone.

Visit habitat.org/open-door to learn more and get involved today.
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Photo credit: Canva – Students in a middle school classroom.

Family, Moms

A middle school Greek history simulation asked girls to act subservient to boys for weeks. One mom asked a simple question: was this necessary?

“How would you feel if your 13-year-old daughter came home with a paper saying she couldn’t enter a classroom without a boy escort and would be required to pick up after them every day?”

Adam Albright-Hanna

Upworthy Staff

4/24/2026

A seventh-grade class at a middle school was assigned a simulation of ancient Greek society. Students got Greek names, learned to wear Greek clothes, built temples, represented city-states, staged short dramas, and participated in Olympic events. By most measures, an unusually creative history project.

It also required the girls to demonstrate their “secondary position.” They couldn’t enter the classroom without a male escort. They were expected to clean up after the boys each day.

Nico, who goes by @nicorette on TikTok, found out about it when her 13-year-old daughter came home from school and told her it had made her uncomfortable. Nico posted about it, and the video spread.

@nicoxrette
I will be talking to the school, the office was closed by the time my child got home from school. I’m honestly appalled. Who okayed this? #parents #middleschool #middleschoolers #socialstudies #classroom #teachers #ancientgreece #feminist #feminism #sexist #sexism #fyp #fypシ #fypviralシ #wwyd #thoughts
♬ original sound – nico 🪐

“How would you feel if your 13-year-old daughter came home with a paper that said they wouldn’t be able to enter a classroom without a boy escort and would be required to pick up after them every day?” she asked. She was clear that she liked a lot of what the project was trying to do, like the Greek names, the costumes, and the intellectual discussions so that just made the subservience requirement harder to explain away. “So why was this even necessary?” she asked.

Middle school students working quietly. Photo credit: Canva

The comments split in predictable directions but a few stood out. One viewer defended the assignment, arguing it could help female students understand how far women’s rights have come and how quickly they can erode. A commenter who identified as a teacher pushed back harder: “I wrote my master’s thesis about classroom simulations. They only work if the power dynamics stay equal among students.” Another drew a sharper comparison: requiring girls to perform submission to boys isn’t meaningfully different from asking Black students to perform submission to white ones.

That last analogy tends to clarify things pretty quickly. The goal of a history simulation is to understand the past, not to rehearse it on the bodies of kids who are still figuring out who they are.

Nico said the school office was closed by the time her daughter got home. She was planning to raise it with administrators the next day.

You can follow Nico at @nicorette on TikTok for more parenting content.

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Photo credit: Canva – Pregnant woman laughs from her hospital bed.

Family, Moms

Mom-to-be trusted her sister to film her labor and the ‘distorted’ result is an absolute laugh riot

“I was trying to figure out why you were making that face!” This mom trusted her sister to film her labor, but her sister had some “distorted” plans of her own.

Adam Albright-Hanna

Upworthy Staff

4/24/2026

Sibling relationships are built on a delicate balance of deep love and the constant urge to mess with one another. Usually, these pranks happen at the dinner table or during holiday gatherings, but for one TikTok creator named Ana, the shenanigans followed her all the way into the delivery room.

Ana, known online as @anaa_dreams, recently shared a video that has left over 15 million viewers in stitches. She had entrusted her sister with the incredibly important task of filming her labor and the first moments of her newborn’s life. It was supposed to be a sentimental keepsake of the most important day of her life. However, as the footage reveals, her sister had a very different “vision” for the project.

@anaa_dreams
I found out till days later 😂 #facefilters #funny #laboranddelivery #pregnant #pregnacybelike #pregnantlife #hospital #couples #birth #family #relatable #fyp #lasvegas #couplestiktok #pregnantmama #pregnantbelly #filters #filtertransition
♬ Funny Song – Sounds Reel & Funny Song Studio & Thomas Hewitt Jones

It wasn’t until days after the delivery that Ana finally watched the footage, only to realize her sister had used various facial-distortion filters throughout the entire process. Instead of a glowing mom-to-be, the video shows Ana and her partner with unusually wide eyes, flared nostrils, and cartoonish, devilish grins. The emotional high of the couple awaiting their baby was transformed into something that looked more like a cameo from a fantasy film than a hospital room.

The most audacious part of the prank? The sister didn’t stop once the baby arrived. Even the deeply moving moment of the parents holding their newborn for the first time was subjected to the filters, turning a “core memory” into a complete laugh riot.

While some commenters were initially concerned that the sister might have “ruined” the only footage of the birth, Ana was quick to share a follow-up video to set the record straight. It turns out her sister is a “pro-level” prankster who made sure to capture plenty of normal, heartwarming pictures and videos alongside the filtered ones. From the dad getting emotional to Ana doing her makeup before the big moment, the “real” memories were safe.

The follow-up video answered the question everyone was asking: yes, there are normal photos too. The sister had captured the whole thing properly — the emotional moments, the dad’s face when he first held his daughter, Ana doing her makeup before delivery. She’d just also been running a chaos operation on the side the entire time.

@anaa_dreams
Here she is 😂 #facefilters #funny #laboranddelivery #pregnant #pregnacybelike #pregnantlife #hospital #couples #birth #family #relatable #fyp #lasvegas #couplestiktok #family #sisters
♬ Funny Song – Sounds Reel & Funny Song Studio & Thomas Hewitt Jones

“No. I’m not mad at her,” Ana clarified. Which, given that 15 million people now find her labor hilarious, seems remarkably generous.

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Photo credit: via Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels and Anna Shvets/Pexels – Can he be the father?

Dads, Family

Dad demands DNA test after his daughter is born with the ‘wrong’ eye and hair color

Was he right to be skeptical?

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

4/23/2026

The presumed father of a newborn baby was skeptical of his paternity after the baby girl was born with blonde hair and blue eyes. He and his wife of two years have brown hair and brown eyes, so he thought there was no chance it was his child.

The wife reassured her husband that they could have a blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby and that, quite often, a baby’s hair and eye color can change over time.

But the husband “freaked out at this and refused to listen,” the wife wrote in a viral post on Reddit’s AITA page. Instead, he “demanded a paternity test and threatened to divorce me if I didn’t comply, so I did.”

The husband and his family created problems when there wasn’t one

The man was so confident that after the baby was born, he moved into his mother’s house while he awaited the results of the DNA test. The wife stayed home with the baby and was helped through the first few weeks by her sister.

Couple after an argument. Photo credit: Canva

To make things worse, the wife’s mother-in-law began to make threats. “My mother-in-law called and informed me that if the paternity test revealed that the child wasn’t his, she would do anything within her power to make sure that I was ‘taken to the cleaners’ during the divorce,” the mom shared on Reddit.

Finally, three weeks after the child was born, the DNA test results arrived and the husband came home to read them with his wife. “I was on the couch in the living room, so he sat next to me and we started to read the results,” she wrote. “They showed that he was the father and my husband had this shocked, kinda mortified look on his face with his eyes wide as he stared at it.”

The wife said, “I told you so,” and laughed in his face. In the post, the wife also notes she has “zero history” of cheating.

Can two brown-eyed parents have a blue-eyed baby?

Although it is rare for two people with brown eyes and brown hair to have a blue-eyed, blonde-haired baby, it is entirely possible. According to genetics researchers, when both parents have brown eyes, the chance of having a blue-eyed baby is roughly 6%, though this can increase if blue eyes run in either family. And, as the wife noted earlier, a baby’s eye color can change over its first year of life.

Further, two people with brown hair can have a blonde-haired child if both parents carry the recessive gene for blonde hair. The blonde hair may darken over time as well.

If the father had done a quick Google search on the topic, he would have quickly realized that there was a very strong case that he was the father and the drama could have stopped before any damage was done to the marriage.

The support from Reddit users was huge

The positive part of this story is that the wife’s post on Reddit earned her a ton of support from people who thought her husband’s antics were utterly inappropriate. The support probably also helped to put her husband’s wild behavior into perspective while she determined their future. The wife felt bad about laughing at her husband, but most people thought it was appropriate, given her husband’s initial response.

“Not only doesn’t he have a basic grasp of genetics, he threw a tantrum and left you immediately after having the baby to struggle alone for almost a month,” CrystalQueen3000 commented. “He’s lucky all you did was laugh in his face.”

A lot of commenters thought that the woman should leave her husband for accusing her of cheating and leaving her alone with the child.

“Honestly, if my husband left me for weeks after giving birth due to a faint assumption like this, I would be done. I can’t be together with someone who abandoned me when I needed them desperately,” another commenter wrote.

This article originally appeared two years ago. It has been updated.

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Photo credit: TikTok: @dadbehindthechair – The moment he stopped, it was straight to bed.

Family, Parenting

Genius parents devise bedtime ritual: son is allowed to stay up late, but he has to run

Sensory input can help little ones fall asleep, according to science.

Kat Hong

4/23/2026
Recently, a TikTok featuring one very determined boy went viral. His parents struck the deal of a lifetime: he could stay up past his bedtime. The only caveat? He had to keep running. The moment he stopped, it was straight to bed. The video shows the little boy sprinting in circles around the room, clinging to those extra minutes of freedom while his parents cheer him on. Three minutes later, he’s wiped. The caption reads, “A win is a win.”

@dadbehindthechair
A win is a win (& 3 minutes later he was ready for bed 😎)
♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

If you’ve ever watched your own kid get this exact second wind, you can probably feel that kid’s energy through the screen. Memories flood in: tiny feet pounding down the hallway, wild giggles, and a voice yelling, “Watch this!” as your toddler launches themselves onto a pile of pillows.

Then, a little voice in your head chimes in: “Fantastic. There goes bedtime.“

But who said that burst of energy before bed is the enemy of sleep? What if it were a crucial part of your child’s nighttime routine? Child‑development and sleep experts agree: under the right conditions, a little active play before bedtime can help some toddlers wind down and sleep more soundly. Let’s unpack what’s going on with those bedtime zoomies—and how to work with them instead of fighting them.

Why toddlers get “jacked up on life” at bedtime

Toddlers collect stress during the day: following rules at daycare; sharing toys they really, really don’t want to; sitting still at dinner; holding in big feelings because you’re not “supposed to” melt down in the grocery store (even though no one wants to buy you that gummy candy you’ve been asking nicely for). By the time evening comes around, all of that unprocessed emotional energy that has been slowly building up is still there in their little bodies.

Active, joyful play gives them a safe pressure valve.

Toddlers collect stress during the day. Canva

When your toddler is pulling, pushing, jumping, and climbing, their brain releases feel-good endorphins that help them de-stress. Plus, playful contact with parents—wrestling, piggyback rides, being scooped up and spun—boosts oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone” that makes us feel safe and connected. Silly, physical play is essential for toddlers as it helps them move tension through the body and ultimately release it. That’s what’s happening in the viral video as this kid runs laps around the room. “Heavy work” helps many sensory-seeking children feel more regulated and ready for rest.

Think of it as a reset button for an overloaded little nervous system.

The power of active play before bedtime

When you time it right and keep things intentional, a short burst of active play before bed can lead to real, tangible changes. Many “out of nowhere” meltdowns at bedtime aren’t really about their pajamas being itchy or needing “one more story.” They’re the culmination of everything your child has been holding in all day.

That’s why a few minutes of big, silly movement is so essential: it gives that tension a place to go. Laughing, rolling, jumping, and even running laps around their small bedroom is your child’s body saying, “I’m letting go of the day” before heading to bed. They’re practicing turning down the excitement.

Not all play is chaos. Games with start and stop points built in (“run to the wall… now, FREEZE!”), games that take turns, and those that toggle between fast and slow tempos help toddlers learn that their energy comes with emergency brakes.

That’s emotional regulation in disguise. You’re teaching their brain, “We can go big… and then we can come back down.” That same skill shows up later when it’s time to be still, close their eyes, and drift off.

It deepens your connection

Most toddlers just want their parents to be there at bedtime, present and solely focused on them. When you put your phone down and spend even five minutes playing—being the horse and letting them climb on top of you, assuming the role of ‘tickle monster’ or the bridge they crawl under—you add to their sense of connection right before the hardest separation of the day: saying goodnight.

Feeling seen and secure can make bedtime seem less like a painful goodbye and more like a soft landing. Large sleep studies on young children have found that simple, consistent bedtime routines—brushing teeth, reading stories, cuddling, a light jog—are linked with longer, less disruptive sleep and fewer behavioral struggles over time.

It helps their bodies feel ready to rest

In the same way that adults sleep more deeply after a long walk or a workout, toddlers’ bodies respond to movement. A little physical effort equals a calm mind, which sends the clear signal: “Oh, right. We already did our big moves. Now, we can rest.”

Physical activity can lead to faster bedtimes. Canva

For some families, that combination (physical activity and emotional regulation) can lead to faster bedtimes, fewer “one more” negotiations, and restorative sleep. Instead of an emotional 40-minute standoff about “I’m not ready for bed” nonsense (even when their eyes are literally halfway closed), their bedtime routine transforms into an easy cycle: five minutes of running around, a deep breath, one fairytale, and lights off.

How to add energy that doesn’t wreck bedtime

An important note: this is not about letting your child go wild until they crash. It’s a little intentional play that turns into a clear, gentle slide into calm. The viral TikTok provides a wonderful example of that system at play: parents say yes to movement, but it’s contained within the parameters of “bedtime.”

@courtneyenglish.ot
It can be difficult to calm you child’s body before bed! Try these during your next bed time routine! #momsoftiktok #toddlermom #preschoolmom #sensoryprocessing #bedtimeroutine #bedtimeactivites #pediatricot #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapy
♬ original sound – Courtney | Pediatric OT

1. Start early

Aim to begin active play about 40–60 minutes before bedtime. Keep the high-energy section brief, ideally about 5 to 15 minutes. Consider running, jumping, and horse play as openers to your bedtime routine, not the grand finale.

2. Choose “heavy work” activities

Many toddlers, especially the endlessly wiggly ones, crave what therapists call “heavy work”: pushing, pulling, climbing, and crashing that give deep input to their muscles and joints. For many sensory‑seeking kids, that kind of play is especially soothing.

A few ideas:
- Pull your toddler on a smooth blanket down the hallway like a “train ride.”
- Let them jump from a mini trampoline or low stool into a safe pillow pile.
- Offer piggyback rides and pretend you are different animals (a bouncy kangaroo, a slow turtle, a galloping horse).
Again, the goal isn’t to exhaust them. Their bodies are chock-full of pent-up energy. Laughing and physical activity act as powerful release valves.

3. Build a clear transition

When active play is over, you need a simple ritual that says, “We’re shifting gears now.”

You might:
- Set a simple timer and say, “Two more minutes of big play, then we are heading to the bath.”
- Turn the overhead lights down and switch on a softer lamp.
- Lower your voice and move into the next steady step: bath, pajamas, teeth, stories.
For this portion, it’s wise to repeat the same order and steps on most nights. Their brains start to recognize the pattern: big play leads to a calm routine, which turns into sleep.

A parent’s attention is all a child wants. Canva

4. Stay present, even if you’re tired

No one is asking you to suit up and become a wrestling maniac every night like it’s the WWE. But even when you’re exhausted or “touched out,” you can still provide an anchor.

Set up the pillow pile. Hold the blanket they are pulling. Referee a sibling “pillow tower demolition.” Cheer them on from the floor as they run their own version of that TikTok sprint.

More than any specific game, your attention makes this one of connection, not chaos.

Oh, and never forget that safety is non-negotiable. Before engaging in active play, scan the room for sharp corners or tripping hazards. Skip roughhousing if your child already looks overtired or seems unsteady.

When active play may not be the right fit

For some kids, bedtime rough-and-tumble is simply not the answer. That’s okay. If your toddler is sensitive to noise, sudden movement, and general chaos, high-energy play in the evening might leave their pint-sized nervous system feeling frenetic rather than soothed. Children who are “sensory avoidant” often wind down better with gentler, predictable routines before sleep.

Red flags that the play is too much or too late:
- Their giggles tip into frantic, wild running they cannot seem to stop.
- They are more tearful, not less, once the game ends.
- It consistently pushes bedtime later and later, even with a calm routine afterward.
In cases like these, consider leaning into cozy sensory activities, like deep pressure hugs, slow rocking, or quiet stretches, and keep high-energy play earlier in the day.

@sarahockwellsmith
Why you should introduce active play with your children before bedtime? #parentingtips #learnwithtiktok #tiktoktips #parentsoftiktok #parentingtips #parentsbelike #parentinghack101 #parentinghacks101 #mumsoftiktok #toddlersoftiktok #toddlersleep #sleeptraining #sleeptrainingtips #sleeptrainingtoddler #sleeptrainwithoutsleeptraining #gentleparenting #gentleparentinghacks #gentlesleepcoach #gentlesleeptraining #gentlesleepchanges #preschoolactivities #bedtimeroutine #childsleep #tiredmumsclub
♬ Emotional Piano for the Soul (Inspirational Background Music) – Fearless Motivation Instrumentals

Make bedtime more joyful

Sure, bedtime can be stressful, but it can also provide a daily opportunity to reconnect with your child.

A few moments of wild laughter. A blanket ride down the hallway. One last big jump into your arms. These are the moments their bodies will remember when the lights go out. It all provides a sense of “I moved, I let it out, I am safe. They are here.”

For some toddlers, this is exactly the safety that lets their brain finally say, “Okay, I can sleep now.”

If you have a high-energy child, you might try five minutes of play tonight. See what happens. Under the right conditions, those bedtime zoomies might be the precursor of a sweet night’s sleep for both of you.
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Photo credit: Canva, @emilykmay/X – woman lying in a hospital bed looking out the window

Family, Moms

People are in disbelief learning how many moms literally daydream about being hospitalized

It’s a real phenomenon.

Annie Reneau

Upworthy Staff

4/23/2026

It’s hard to explain the relentless intensity of having young children if you haven’t done it. It’s wonderful, beautiful, magical and all of that, it truly is, but it’s a lot. Like, a lot. It’s a bit like running an ultramarathon through the most beautiful landscape you can imagine. There’s no question that it’s amazing, but it’s really, really hard. And sometimes there are storms or big hills or obstacles or twisted ankles or some other thing that makes it even more challenging for a while.

Unfortunately, a lot of moms feel like they’re running that marathon alone. Some actually are. Some have partners who don’t pull their weight. But even with an equal partner, the early years tend to be mom-heavy, and it takes a toll. In fact, that toll is so great that it’s not unusual for moms to fantasize about being hospitalized, not with anything serious, just something that requires a short stay simply to get a genuine break.

The mental and physical exhaustion of parenting

In a thread on X (formerly Twitter), a mom named Emily shared this truth: “[I don’t know] if the lack of community care in our culture is more evident than when moms casually say they daydream about being hospitalized for something only moderately serious so that they are forced to not have any responsibilities for like 3 days.”

In a follow-up tweet, she added, “And other moms are like ‘yeah totally’ while childfree Gen Z girls’ mouths hang open in horror.”

Mothers share their own experiences

Other moms corroborated, not only with the fantasy but the reality of getting a hospital break:

“And can confirm: I have the fondest memories of my appendicitis that almost burst 3 weeks after my third was born bc I emergency had to go get it taken out and I mean I let my neighbor take my toddlers and I let my husband give the baby formula, and I slept until I was actually rested. Under the knife, but still. It was really nice,” wrote one mom.

“I got mastitis when my first was 4 months old. I had to have surgery, but my hospital room had a nice view, my mom came to see me, the baby was with me but other people mostly took care of her, bliss,” shared another.

An exhausted mom holds her newborn baby. Photo credit: Canva

Some people tried to blame lackadaisical husbands and fathers for moms feeling overwhelmed, but as Emily pointed out, it’s not always enough to have a supportive spouse. That’s why she pointed to “lack of community care” in her original post.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to raise a mother. Without the proverbial village, we end up bearing too much of the weight of childrearing ourselves. We’re not just running the ultramarathon. We’re also carrying the water, bandaging the blisters, moving fallen trees out of the way, washing the sweat out of our clothes and we’re doing it all without any rest.

Why moms daydream about being hospitalized

Why don’t moms just take a vacation instead of daydreaming about hospitalization? It’s not that simple. Many people don’t have the means for a getaway, but even if they do, there’s a certain level of “mom guilt” that comes with purposefully leaving your young children. Vacations usually require planning and decision-making as well, and decision fatigue is one of the most exhausting parts of parenting.

Strange as it may seem, the reason hospitalization is attractive is that it’s forced. If you’re in the hospital, you have to be there, so there’s no guilt about choosing to leave. It involves no decision-making. Someone else is calling all the shots. You literally have no responsibilities in the hospital except resting. No one needs anything from you. And unlike when you’re on vacation, most people who are caring for your kids when you’re in the hospital aren’t going to constantly contact you to ask you questions. They’ll leave you to let you rest.

When a real hospital stay becomes a vacation

Paula Fitzgibbons shares that she had three kids under the age of 3 in 11 months (two by adoption and one by birth). Her husband, despite being very involved and supportive, had a 1.5 hour commute for work, so the lion’s share of childcare, or “delightful utter chaos” as she refers to it, fell on her shoulders. At one point, she ended up in the ER with atrial fibrillation, and due to family medical history was kept in the hospital for a few days for tests and monitoring.

“When people came to visit me or called to see how I was, I responded that I was enjoying my time at ‘the spa,’ and though I missed my family, I was soaking it all in,” she tells Upworthy. “My husband understood. Other mothers understood. The medical staff did not know what to make of my cheerful demeanor, but there I was, lying in bed reading and sleeping for four straight days with zero guilt. What a gift for a new mom.”

A mom relaxing in a chair Image via Canva

When you have young children, your concept of what’s relaxing shifts. I recall almost falling asleep during one of my first dental cleanings after having kids. That chair was so comfy and no one needed anything from me. I didn’t even care what they were doing to my teeth. It felt like heaven to lie down and rest without any demands being made of me other than “Open a little wider, please.”

Obviously, being hospitalized isn’t ideal for a whole host of reasons, but the desire is real. There aren’t a lot of simple solutions to the issue of moms needing a real break, not just an hour or two, but a few days. However, maybe if society were structured in such a way that we had smaller, more frequent respites and spread the work of parenting across the community, we wouldn’t feel as much of a desire to be hospitalized simply to be able to rejuvenate.

This article originally appeared three years ago. It has been updated.

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Photo credit: Canva – Big brothers can be the best helpers.

Family, Kids

Mom captures her 10-yr-old son on camera at 3am comforting her toddler so she could sleep

“He said he wanted me to get some rest because I did a lot that day.”

Annie Reneau

Upworthy Staff

4/23/2026

The best feeling as a parent is when your child does something that exemplifies good character, especially when they do it without being asked and without expecting any recognition or reward for it. Seeing your kid practicing patience, kindness, and helpfulness, even when they think no one is looking—that’s when you know that all your hard parenting work is paying off.

fSo when you’re a mom with six kids and the baby monitor in your 18-month-old’s nursery shows your 10-year-old stepping up to help his little brother—in the middle of the night, no less, your heart might melt a little. And when he tells you the thoughtful reason why he didn’t just come and get you when he heard his brother fussing, your heart just might explode.

A viral video captured this scenario at Gloria McIntosh’s house in Ohio in 2020, and it could not be sweeter.

McIntosh told TODAY Parents that she always told her kids that the true test of a person’s character is what they do when no one is around, a lesson that her son, Mason, clearly took to heart when he got up at 3 a.m. to comfort his 18-month-old brother, Greyson.

The moment captured on the baby monitor

@gloriaangelou
@lighteyemason 💙💙🤴🏾
♬ Surrender – Natalie Taylor

“The baby woke up in the middle of the night,” McIntosh wrote. “I heard him fussing so I just checked the camera to see if he would just fall back asleep and saw his brother showing the best example of love and patience. He stayed with him for almost 30 minutes trying to get him back to sleep. I eventually came in and got the baby, and asked my son why he didn’t just come and get me.”

Why Mason didn’t wake his mom up

The reason was as thoughtful as can be.

“He said he wanted me to get some rest, because I did a lot that day. While parenting is not his responsibility, just the fact that he understood that he is his brother’s keeper, and considered my long day as a mom, is much appreciated. ❤️”

When he climbed into the crib with him? Gracious. That’s when you know your kids are going to be all right.

“I was smiling the whole time,” McIntosh told TODAY Parents. “He has a love for Greyson that is unspeakable. I can’t even really explain it.”

McIntosh said Mason is a natural caregiver. “I’m sure Mason was tired and cranky. He was woken up at 3 a.m.,” she said. “But how you saw him treat his brother is how he is. He steps up.”

Some kids are just awesome, but there’s a lot to be said for setting an example and nurturing kids in an environment where they feel inspired to be helpful as well. Clearly McIntosh has done something right for her son to step up in that way. Watch the way she soothes her 4-year-old when he had a bad dream in the middle of the night, and it’s easy to see where Mason gets it.

@gloriaangelou
#maxtoncharles #momlife
♬ Surrender – Natalie Taylor

Well done, Mason. And well done, mama. You can follow Gloria on TikTok.

This article originally appeared five years ago. It has been updated.

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Photo credit: Canva – Kids playing on a playground.

Family, Kids

A stranger airdropped photos to this mom at the park and the gesture is moving parents everywhere

“To the random mom who took these without me knowing and airdropped them to me… thank you.” This is the gesture every parent wishes for.

Adam Albright-Hanna

4/22/2026

Every parent knows the struggle of looking through their phone’s photo library only to realize they are missing from almost every single frame. We are the ones behind the lens, capturing the first steps, the messy faces, and the playground triumphs, but we rarely have proof that we were actually there. As PEOPLE reported, one mother in England recently received a beautiful remedy to this “invisible parent” problem from a complete stranger.

Elizabeth Green (@likedbyliz), a nurse and mother of two, was enjoying a rare day off at the park with her children, Will and Nora. While she was focused on playing with them on the slide, she noticed another woman nearby who seemed to be giving her children instructions to “get back up there.” Before Green could wonder what was happening, the woman approached her and asked to airdrop a few files.

When Green opened her phone, she was stunned. The stranger had captured several high-quality, candid photos of Green immersed in play with her toddlers. These weren’t the posed, “everyone look at the camera and smile” shots that parents usually fight for. They were authentic glimpses of motherhood in motion.

@likedbyliz
Moms get it ♥️ #momlife #girlhood #childhood #kids #mother
♬ Landslide (2017 Remaster) – Fleetwood Mac

The gesture struck a deep chord with Green, who shared the photos on TikTok to thank the “random mom” for her kindness. The video has since resonated with millions of parents who feel the same longing to be documented in their daily lives. Green noted that while her husband makes a real effort to take photos of her with the kids, there is something uniquely special about a third-party perspective catching a moment you didn’t even know was happening.

Kids playing at an outdoor playground. Photo credit: Canva

Psychologists often talk about the power of “core memories,” those significant experiences that help shape a child’s sense of security and love. According to a study published in PMC, the quality of time parents spend with their children is a primary driver of long-term well-being. By capturing these images, the stranger didn’t just give Green a few photos, she gave her a permanent record of the “quiet” love that builds those memories.

The comment section of Green’s video quickly became a digital support group for parents. One user shared a story of an older man who nervously approached her at a library to share a photo he took of her with her baby, while a single mother commented that she would “sob” if someone did the same for her.

It is a simple act of service that costs nothing but a few seconds of time, yet it provides a lifetime of value. In a world where we are often told to mind our own business, this “random mom” proved that sometimes, the best thing you can do is notice someone else’s joy and make sure they have a way to remember it.

For more fun parenting videos, follow @likedbyliz on TikTok.

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Photo credit: Canva – A woman hugs the bride at her wedding.

Family, Modern Families

At her dad’s wedding, a teen’s toast turned out to be for someone else entirely and made the whole room cry

“Usually, divorce is hard. But this made it worth it.” A 15-year-old’s wedding speech for her stepmom Beth has the internet in tears.

Adam Albright-Hanna

4/22/2026

Stepmoms get a bad cultural reputation that most of them don’t deserve. The wicked stepmother is such a durable myth that it takes something pretty extraordinary to cut through it. This cut through.

At her dad’s wedding, a 15-year-old named Alex stood up to give a toast and proceeded to say something that made the bride cry before she’d barely gotten started. The clip was shared on TikTok by wedding videographer Sky Cinema Films (@skycinemafilms) and has since been watched more than 42 million times across a three-part series.

Alex started by saying the first word that came to mind when she thought of Beth was “affectionate.” Then: “She doesn’t have one mean bone in her body.” For Beth, hearing her stepdaughter-to-be say that out loud, in front of everyone, was already too much. You could see it on her face.

@skycinemafilms
Viral Emotional Stepdaughter Speech #skycinemafilms #stepmotherstepdaughter #emotionalspeech #bethtok #weddingtiktok #weddingviral
♬ original sound – Sky Cinema Films

Alex went on to describe watching her parents’ divorce and what it felt like to suddenly have the concept of a “stepmom” become real. It was unsettling at first, she said. Then Beth showed up, and that changed. Beth became a partner in crime, a safe space, someone she could tell anything. They’d go shopping together. They’d commiserate about their glasses. The little things, stacked up, had turned into something that mattered.

Then came the line that the internet has not been able to shake: “Usually, divorce is hard. But this made it worth it.”

A woman hugs the bride at her wedding. Photos: Canva

She closed by saying something that holds up outside of weddings too. “Family isn’t always defined by last names or blood; it’s defined by love and commitment. I know Beth isn’t my mom, but I know she will always be there whenever I need her.”

Children of divorce carry a particular kind of weight, like the loyalty conflicts, the shifting households, the feeling of being torn in two directions at once. What Alex was describing, without quite naming it, was what it felt like to have that weight lifted by someone who didn’t have to do it. Beth chose this. She chose to show up, consistently, for a kid who wasn’t hers by birth, until the kid couldn’t imagine the family without her.

That’s what the 42 million views are really about.

You can follow Sky Cinema Films at @skycinemafilms on TikTok.

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