30 best collagen supplements for pregnancy

If you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gifts for the incredible moms in your life, we’ve got you covered.

Sep 27, 2023

Array – Photo credit: Array

Editor’s Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from items purchased on this list.

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.

Add to Google News

More for You

In Partnership With Levi Strauss Foundation →

Pictured here: Anita Omary; her son, Osman; and Omary’s close friends – Photo credit: Array

Family, Modern Families, Motherhood

Once a refugee seeking safety in the U.S., Anita Omary is using what she learned to help others thrive.

Even in divided times, small acts of friendship help create vibrant communities where everyone feels safe.

Sarah Watts

2/11/2026

In March 2023, after months of preparation and paperwork, Anita Omary arrived in the United States from her native Afghanistan to build a better life. Once she arrived in Connecticut, however, the experience was anything but easy.
“When I first arrived, everything felt so strange—the weather, the environment, the people,” Omary recalled. Omary had not only left behind her extended family and friends in Afghanistan, she left her career managing child protective cases and supporting refugee communities behind as well. Even more challenging, Anita was five months pregnant at the time, and because her husband was unable to obtain a travel visa, she found herself having to navigate a new language, a different culture, and an unfamiliar country entirely on her own.
“I went through a period of deep disappointment and depression, where I wasn’t able to do much for myself,” Omary said.
Then something incredible happened: Omary met a woman who would become her close friend, offering support that would change her experience as a refugee—and ultimately the trajectory of her entire life.
Understanding the journey
Like Anita Omary, tens of thousands of people come to the United States each year seeking safety from war, political violence, religious persecution, and other threats. Yet escaping danger, unfortunately, is only the first challenge. Once here, immigrant and refugee families must deal with the loss of displacement, while at the same time facing language barriers, adapting to a new culture, and sometimes even facing social stigma and anti-immigrant biases.

Welcoming immigrant and refugee neighbors strengthens the nation and benefits everyone—and according to Anita Omary, small, simple acts of human kindness can make the greatest difference in helping them feel safe, valued, and truly at home.
A warm welcome
Dee and Omary's son, Osman
Anita Omary was receiving prenatal checkups at a woman’s health center in West Haven when she met Dee, a nurse.

“She immediately recognized that I was new, and that I was struggling,” Omary said. “From that moment on, she became my support system.”

Dee started checking in on Omary throughout her pregnancy, both inside the clinic and out.

“She would call me and ask am I okay, am I eating, am I healthy,” Omary said. “She helped me with things I didn’t even realize I needed, like getting an air conditioner for my small, hot room.”

Soon, Dee was helping Omary apply for jobs and taking her on driving lessons every weekend. With her help, Omary landed a job, passed her road test on the first attempt, and even enrolled at the University of New Haven to pursue her master’s degree. Dee and Omary became like family. After Omary’s son, Osman, was born, Dee spent five days in the hospital at her side, bringing her halal food and brushing her hair in the same way Omary’s mother used to. When Omary’s postpartum pain became too great for her to lift Osman’s car seat, Dee accompanied her to his doctor’s appointments and carried the baby for her.

“Her support truly changed my life,” Omary said. “Her motivation, compassion, and support gave me hope. It gave me a sense of stability and confidence. I didn’t feel alone, because of her.”

More than that, the experience gave Omary a new resolve to help other people.

“That experience has deeply shaped the way I give back,” she said. “I want to be that source of encouragement and support for others that my friend was for me.”
Extending the welcome
Omary and Dee at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Vision Awards ceremony at the University of New Haven.
Omary is now flourishing. She currently works as a career development specialist as she continues her Master’s degree. She also, as a member of the Refugee Storytellers Collective, helps advocate for refugee and immigrant families by connecting them with resources—and teaches local communities how to best welcome newcomers.

“Welcoming new families today has many challenges,” Omary said. “One major barrier is access to English classes. Many newcomers, especially those who have just arrived, often put their names on long wait lists and for months there are no available spots.” For women with children, the lack of available childcare makes attending English classes, or working outside the home, especially difficult.
Omary stresses that sometimes small, everyday acts of kindness can make the biggest difference to immigrant and refugee families.
“Welcome is not about big gestures, but about small, consistent acts of care that remind you that you belong,” Omary said. Receiving a compliment on her dress or her son from a stranger in the grocery store was incredibly uplifting during her early days as a newcomer, and Omary remembers how even the smallest gestures of kindness gave her hope that she could thrive and build a new life here.
“I built my new life, but I didn’t do it alone,” Omary said. “Community and kindness were my greatest strengths.”
Are you in? Click here to join the Refugee Advocacy Lab and sign the #WeWillWelcome pledge and complete one small act of welcome in your community. Together, with small, meaningful steps, we can build communities where everyone feels safe.
This article is part of Upworthy’s “The Threads Between U.S.” series that highlights what we have in common thanks to the generous support from the Levi Strauss Foundation, whose grantmaking is committed to creating a culture of belonging.

Keep Reading →
A lunch box with a Cutwater can inside. – Photo credit: Apple Photos Clean Up

Family, Kids

Georgia police department shared a warning about kids bringing adult drinks to school. Only problem is it wasn’t real.

“Before you send them babies off to school… CHECK. THE. LUNCHBOX.”

Tod Perry

3/3/2026
It’s getting harder to distinguish adult drinks from kids’ drinks these days. In recent years, adult beverage makers have created new versions of traditionally “soft“ drinks and made them “hard,” whether it’s seltzer, kombucha, soda, lemonade, or juice boxes. So, it’s easy to be fooled when reaching into the back of the fridge for a kids’ drink and finding a Cutwater 11% ABV Lemon Drop Martini instead.

Recently, the South Fulton Police Department in Georgia shared a post about a Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini can in a lunch box. For the uninitiated, Cutwater drinks have double, and sometimes triple, the alcohol content of the average can of beer. With sweet flavors like Tiki Rum Mai Tai, Strawberry Margarita, and Rum Mojito, some mistake them for kids’ drinks.

To call attention to the problem, the South Fulton Police Department posted a pretty hilarious warning on Facebook, urging parents to watch what their kids bring to school:

“Say Twin…

Before you send them babies off to school…
CHECK. THE. LUNCHBOX.

That is NOT Capri Sun.
That is NOT Apple Juice.
That is a whole ‘Parent had a long night’ starter pack.

Now little Johnny done pulled up to 3rd period talking about: ‘Who want fruit snacks?’ knowing good and well he got a Lemon Drop Martini in the zipper pocket.

TIGHTEN UP TWIN!

We know mornings can be hectic…
But your child shouldn’t be the only one in the cafeteria with a beverage that requires an ID.

Quick Parent Checklist:
• Homework
• Lunch packed
• Alcoholic beverages

If it says 12% ABV… it does NOT belong next to a PB&J.

Check the lunchbox before the school resource officers gotta do inventory at recess.”

‘Say Twin’ has become a local catchphrase

The department’s use of “Say Twin” in its messaging has been a hit with locals. “‘Hey twin!’ It’s a term of endearment that’s here that has just taken off, especially in Atlanta,” South Fulton Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs told Atlanta News First. “It’s bringing light to real issues that we’re facing in our community. We’re meeting residents where they are, so they can actually get it.”

Coming Soon! Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini 🍋 🍸🤩

A perfect balance of their award winning vodka, tart lemon juice and a splash of sweetness ✨ pic.twitter.com/DcC60GLWMP
— DollDistributingCB (@BudweiserCB) February 21, 2024

The police department clarifies “confusion” around the story

Police in Georgia said an alcoholic beverage was found in a student’s lunch box earlier this week. Read more: https://t.co/XaGBKNvoFN pic.twitter.com/5KLkEkfu18
— ABC News 4 (@ABCNews4) February 26, 2026

After the story went viral, media outlets began poking around and asking South Fulton schools about the incident to find out where it happened. However, it didn’t. After the initial post, the South Fulton Police Department admitted the story wasn’t true.

It posted a clarification in the comments:
“Important: This did NOT happen in the City of South Fulton or in Fulton County Schools.

We’re sharing this because media outlets have started contacting local schools asking where it happened, and we don’t want any confusion in our community.

The real takeaway here is awareness. Across the country, there’s growing concern about alcoholic drinks being packaged to look like non-alcoholic ones and even being placed near them in stores, which can lead to honest mix-ups.

Friendly reminder to:
- Double-check lunchboxes and backpacks
- Keep alcohol stored safely and out of reach
- Talk with kids about only drinking what a trusted adult gives them
  
  We appreciate y’all helping us spread awareness and keep our community safe “
Was the update a clever backtrack after getting caught creating a fake story? Or was the original post a playful way to educate parents about a real problem the department never expected to be taken seriously? That’s for the people of South Fulton to decide.

The post inspired some hilarious comments

Even though the story was later proven false, the comments on the post are still pretty hilarious.

“Idk about y’all, but those 12% ABV be hitting pretty hard with that Smuckers Uncrustable on a hot summer’s day on the lake,” one person wrote.

“That kid was trying to get a little turnt at school today,” another added.

Some folks in the comments thought the drink may have been for the kid’s teacher. One joked, “… it was really sent for the teacher as a peace offering.”

Kids mistaking adult beverages for soft drinks is a real problem

A teacher in the San Antonio, Texas, area made a big mistake last summer, proving South Fulton’s warning wasn’t entirely unwarranted. The educator accidentally handed out Hard Mountain Dew drinks to students on the last day of seventh grade. One child went to the hospital after ingesting a Hard Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pineapple. The student drank nearly half a can and felt disoriented while at school.

“He says it tasted a little different,” Aaron Corso, the boy’s father, shared with KENS 5 News. “But he didn’t think too much of it. Because he doesn’t drink too much soda. He hardly drinks soda at all.”

This story from Texas and the warning out of Georgia are reminders to parents everywhere to be mindful of where they store alcoholic beverages, especially those that resemble soft drinks.
Keep Reading →
A person looks on as a fire consumes a house – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Moms

Hero Mom repeatedly runs into burning house to save her 6 kids from devastating fire

By the fourth trip, the soles of her feet were falling off.

Adam Albright-Hanna

3/3/2026

On the morning of September 3, 2019, Emma Schols woke up in her home in Edsbyn, Sweden, to the sound of her two youngest sons calling out. The television room downstairs was on fire.

What happened in the next few minutes is almost impossible to read without holding your breath.

Emma sprinted downstairs barefoot and found her boys trapped in the playroom, surrounded by flames. She threw herself over them, took the fire on her own back, and shoved them out the front door. Then she locked it behind her from the inside, so they couldn’t follow her back in, per Goalcast.

A house burning down. Photo credit: Canva

She had four more children upstairs.

The staircase was already burning. With every step she climbed, the heat was eating through her feet. “For each step I thought that ‘this is not possible,’” she later recalled, “but then I thought that it must go for four of my children who are still up there. It was so hot that the soles of the feet start to drop from the feet. They just hang like threads.”

Upstairs, her 9-year-old daughter Nellie had already jumped from the balcony to get help. Her 11-year-old son William had found a ladder and was helping his siblings down. Emma fought through the smoke to reach the last room, where she found her baby daughter Mollie standing in her crib, terrified and crying. Emma had assumed Mollie might not still be alive. “I was so terribly tired but could see through the smoke how Mollie stood there in her crib and cried and was terrified,” she said, per Bright Vibes. “Then I suddenly got such an enormous force and managed to get to my feet and lift her up.”

All six children got out without serious injury. Emma did not.

Emma Schols saved All Of Her 6 Kids From Their Burning Home, Running Room To Room, Floor To Floor. Even Tho She Was Bleeding And Losing Skin, Hair Burnt Like Coal, She Kept Going. Emma Got 93% Burn Injuries, Yet Still Survived. Super Mom, Indeed!
byu/Kronyzx inDamnthatsinteresting

By the time she collapsed outside, burns covered 93% of her body. Doctors put her on a ventilator, where she remained for three weeks, hovering between life and death. Medical staff noted that it is uncommon for people to survive even 90% burns. She endured more than 20 surgeries and months of rehabilitation. When she finally came out of unconsciousness, her first words were not about her own pain or her skin or the surgeries ahead. She asked: “Are my children alive?”

According to EuroWeekly News, when asked later why she kept going back in, she didn’t describe it as heroism. “If I gave birth to six children,” she told reporters, “I will get all six out.”

Recovery was long and uneven in ways that went beyond the physical. After six weeks in hospital, the children came to visit. Her youngest, Mollie, didn’t recognize her. “She did not want to come to me,” Emma said. “Which I can understand with all appliances and hoses. I looked completely different.” That moment, she has said, was one of the hardest parts of the entire ordeal.

In December 2020, Sweden honored her at the Svenska Hjältar Gala, a nationally televised awards ceremony, where she was named Lifesaver of the Year. Her eldest son William addressed the audience and moved the room to tears: “Sometimes I think I will never see Mum again. But now we see Mum almost every day and that makes me happy.”

Six years on, Emma is living back in Edsbyn in a rebuilt home with her family. She has written a memoir about the fire and its aftermath, titled “I Carry My Scars with Pride” (published in Swedish in 2022 with journalist Frida Funemyr), and has taken up marathon running. She has spoken publicly about her recovery to help others who face severe trauma, and her message has stayed consistent throughout. “I feel an enormous gratitude for every day we get to be together as a family,” she told the Svenska Hjältar audience.

The scars are visible. So is everything else.

View this post on Instagram

This article originally appeared last year.

Keep Reading →
A father braids his daughter's hair. – Photo credit: Canva

Dads, Family

9 dads took a ‘cute’ hair braiding class. They left with stronger connections to their daughters.

Doing your daughter’s hair is far more than just a to-do.

Evan Porter

3/3/2026

About a decade ago, the first classes for dads who wanted to learn to braid their daughters’ hair began to pop up in the mainstream. Traditionally, in many households, moms have been the default hair-doers. After all, they’re the experts with a lifetime of experience styling and braiding their own hair or practicing on their friends.

But this setup was problematic for a few reasons. For starters, as the modern generation of dads began wanting to get more hands-on with childcare responsibilities, many of them found they were hopelessly lost when it came to the morning hair routine. Classes began to pop up all over the country offering practical training for dads who wanted to learn the basic rope braid or French braid.

Over the years, these courses have only grown more popular. Now, the movement is about so much more than the physical task of styling hair, or even rebelling against old-fashioned, restrictive ideas of masculinity.

One group of dads recently experienced this firsthand after attending a “Pints and Ponytails” event.

More and more dads have been learning to braid hair over the last decade or so. Photo credit: Canva

Mathew Carter and Lawrence Price, who run the popular podcast Secret Life of Dads, set up the event with instructors from Braid Maidens. They filled out the guest list with their network of fellow dads and supplied beers and mannequins for all.

The guys had a terrific time. They quickly mastered the practical skills they needed to dive headfirst into the morning and nighttime routines with their daughters. In an Instagram post sharing the experience, Carter and Price wrote that in the course of just a few hours they went from “barely being able to do a ponytail to [perfecting] the Elsa by the end of the class.”

Elsa, of Frozen fame, is legendary for her signature Dutch braid that many little girls want to emulate.

View this post on Instagram

After the dads went home and began implementing their newfound skills, they realized that the event was so much more than a “cute” dismissal of old-fashioned masculinity.

For starters, dads getting involved in doing girls’ hair takes an enormous load off mom’s shoulders. In households with multiple girls, a mom can spend hours getting everyone’s hair just so. Often, kids demand specific styles, but moms also know that sending their girls off to school with messy bedhead will (unfairly) reflect poorly on them socially. There’s a lot of pressure tied to this daily task. Having a tag-team partner to pitch in is incredibly valuable.

One attendee wrote that it was “wonderful to meet so many fellow girl dads who wanted to share more of the unpaid emotional labour at home.”

Even more importantly, the dads say that after the event, doing their daughters’ hair revealed incredible moments they never even knew they were missing out on.

“What’s going on in that room is something much deeper,” Carter and Price wrote in a follow-up post over footage of the men practicing on mannequins. “Learning to braid my daughter’s hair changed what is often seen as just a task … into a moment of connection. That’s when she gets to tell me about her day. That’s when she shares with me things that are happening in her life. And it’s a time that happens at the beginning of each day that I just get to be with her and listen and ask questions and connect. And that has opened the aperture of love between me and my daughter.”

View this post on Instagram

Even modern, hands-on, engaged, and well-meaning fathers sometimes have difficulty connecting with their daughters as they get older.

There are many reasons for this phenomenon. It’s well-studied and was recently documented in The Atlantic article, “The Father-Daughter Divide.”

Meanwhile, Kimberley Benton of Oak City Psychology wrote, “Many men have difficulty connecting with their children on an emotional level because their dads didn’t know how. It’s no ones fault, we just aren’t very good at teaching men about connecting with others.”

Providing, supporting, and being physically present in our kids’ lives is only part of the equation. Being emotionally present requires carving out quiet one-on-one time where discussion can flow freely and honestly. Kids need to feel they have the time and space to open up—something that only gets more difficult for them as they become teenagers.

Many dads never realize that those crucial minutes spent sitting together and styling hair are the perfect opportunity to connect. If you can get good enough to make your daughter look just like Elsa, that’s gravy.

Keep Reading →
A mother with her teenage daughter. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Moms

Mom braced herself for daughter’s teenage years, but wasn’t ready for these 5 beautiful moments

“It’s not perfect.”

Evan Porter

3/1/2026

Many parents are taught or conditioned to fear their children’s teenage years. It’s the season of life when your sweet angel turns into a moody rebel with an attitude problem, or so say the parents who came before us and lived to tell the tale.

Mom Jacqueline Skirvin was no different. For years, she had taken pride in having a close, loving, healthy relationship with her daughter, Preslea. But other parents in her orbit kept warning her that would all change. “Just wait,” they would say.

In a recent Instagram post, Skirvin shared the hard-fought results of all that waiting. She revealed five things that truly surprised her when those teenage years finally came:

“I waited for attitude. Instead, I get car rides where she tells me everything.”

“I waited for walls. Instead, I get to know her best friend’s life almost as well as I know hers.”

“I waited for distance. Instead, I’m the first person she facetimes when something really good happens.”

“I waited for rebellion. Instead, I get to watch her fall too hard, too fast… and hold her when it doesn’t last.”

“I waited for drama. Instead, I became the call when the group chat turns mean and she needs to feel safe.”

“It’s not perfect,” Skirvin admits in the caption of her post, but those bright slivers of connection let her know she still has a good relationship with her daughter through all the ups and downs.

View this post on Instagram

The post struck a huge chord with fellow parents of teenagers

Some found hope in Skirvin’s optimistic message, while others lamented that they hadn’t been so lucky in their own families. In the end, the discussion was full of terrific advice.

Several commenters were thrilled to help bust the myth that parenting a teenager inherently has to be a nightmare:

“My DREAM. My daughter is so cool I can’t wait to know her at every stage of her life.”

“Teenagers aren’t hard to love at all, if you give them the foundations they need to fly. They’re actually very cool people”

Others were convinced that dreading teenagehood has become a self-fulfilling prophecy:

“We need MOREEEE of this energy for us girl moms!!! I have two daughters who are toddlers right now, and I am constantly told how horrible they will be as teenagers. It’s makes me so sad.”

Some cautioned that, yes, being the parent of a teenager can be beautiful, but we shouldn’t gloss over the hard parts:

“My eldest is 15 and youngest 13. I [get] this too BUT im also the one who gets the sharp edge of her tongue initially when shes overwhelmed and cant manage her emotions, I get the look before I get the hugs and details… I get both sides whilst she figures out her head and her heart. on balance im honoured to be trusted with both sides, the good, the bad and the ugly as I am the safety net where love without boundaries exist”

Raising a teenager has its ups and downs. Photo credit: Canva

To the parents in the comments struggling through a difficult relationship with their teens, the overwhelming response was, poetically, “Just wait.”

“She will come around. She will have to grow up first but in time. It is so hard.”

“I’m 32 and a mom of 2 and I have never been closer to my Mom. There is still time”

Experts admit that living with teenagers can be a humongous challenge

But they say a few things that can help are drawing strong boundaries about how you’ll be treated (not tolerating disrespect, insults, etc.) and giving your child plenty of space to work through their complex emotional responses and develop their own identity, which often involves at least a small amount of healthy rebellion.

The key to Skirvin’s story is not that she forced connection and closeness with her teenage daughter, but rather that she stayed present enough to capture those opportunities when they presented themselves at unexpected times. For Skirvin, “waiting” for the teenage years to come was extremely good practice that served her well for the challenge ahead.

Keep Reading →
An older woman holding a suitcase. – Photo credit: via Canva/Photos

Family, Parenting

Boomer grandma challenges family norms by asking why she has to do the traveling for visits

“Should grandmas be the ones on the road, or should families pick everything up and drive to her?”

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

3/1/2026

When the holidays roll around, it’s time for families to decide where they will meet to celebrate. For the most part, parents with younger kids dread packing their bags and traveling to a family member’s house where things aren’t set up for young children. You fumble around setting up the pack ‘n plays, can’t find your bottle brush, and freak out because the electrical sockets aren’t child-proof.

However, many grandparents aren’t keen on enduring the mental and physical strain of traveling at an older age. So, who’s right? Grandma Jan, founder of Grandma Camp and a TikTok influencer who shares fun ideas for grandparents and grandkids, argued that parents should pack up their kids and visit Grandma.

@grandmacampplanner
Is it Grandma’s job to travel to the kids, or should the family come to her? 👀 Let’s hear it—#GrandmaCamp #FamilyDebate #momsoftiktok #GrandmaLife #HolidayTravel
♬ original sound – GrandmaCamp™ 💜by Grandma Jan™

“Okay, so, here’s the debate: families say, ‘Grandma, why don’t you come visit us?’ But let’s be honest, Grandma’s house is where the traditions are, the cookies are, and all of the toys are,” Grandma Jan begins. “But if grandma is driving, flying, hauling all the gifts, and packing up her car to come see you, maybe it’s time to flip the script. When did it become normal for Grandma to pack up all her stuff and come see you? Should the kids pile into the car, bring all their toys, and just go visit grandma? Bring all that love and chaos to her?”

So she asked her followers: “Should grandmas be the one on the road or should families pick everything up and drive to her?” Just about everyone in the comments said that grandparents should have to travel to see their grandchildren.

“Nope. I want Christmas morning in pajamas with my family. I want my traditions. My parents and in-laws (the grandparents) got all of this how they wanted. It’s my turn now,” Maggie wrote. “Gramma is retired and now has a shit ton of time. Kids and parents have a very finite amount of time off in the holidays that they do not want to spend on the road,” Mrs. Wright added.

Some grandparents also checked in to disagree with Grandma Jan. “Why would I put that on my kids and grandkids? It’s so hard traveling with kids, not to mention expensive to fly for more than one person,” Populustultus wrote. “What a weird way to think about that. Why wouldn’t you help your kids create magic in their home? Signed a grandma,” LifestylebyKat added.

@grandmacampplanner
Disclaimer: My last post was meant to spark conversation, not advice. It came from what I witnessed as an OT — older grandmas struggling to travel alone. Every family is different ❤️ #GrandmaCampByGrandmaJan #FamilyDecisions #GrandmaLife #OTperspective #momsoftiktok
♬ original sound – GrandmaCamp™ 💜by Grandma Jan™

The response inspired Grandma Jan to release a follow-up video clarifying her opinion. She admits she came up with the idea after seeing older people having a hard time getting through the airport. “[I saw] older grandparents struggling their way through airports carrying their own heavy bags while managing a walker or a plane or a wheelchair, struggling through all on their own with no one to assist,” Grandma Jan said. “And as an occupational therapist, that actually broke my heart. For younger, healthier grandparents, travel can be fun, but for the older generation, it can be quite a struggle.”

Ultimately, Grandma Jan didn’t intend to put anyone out; she just wanted to have a conversation about what’s best for families as a whole. “And Grandma Camp by Grandma Jan is about having those conversations, not making rules. And at the end of the day, it’s about connection, not distance,” she concluded her video.

This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated.

Keep Reading →
Bonding benches are English Heritage’s cure for parental loneliness. – Photo credit: English Heritage

Family, Parenting

62 percent of new parents say they’re lonely. England put four words on a park bench, and it’s working.

The “bonding bench” program arrives in abbeys, castles, and gardens.

Kat Hong

2/27/2026

You’re at the playground. Your toddler is shrieking with joy near the swings. You sit down on a bench, and another parent sits beside you. They look tired—but it’s the good kind of tired, the kind that comes from loving someone tiny and full of energy. You want to say something…but what? Should you ask how old their kid is? Or whether they’ve figured out how to get ketchup stains out of everything yet?

You say nothing, and pull out your phone instead. They do the same. Five minutes later, you leave without saying a word and feel more alone than ever.

View this post on Instagram

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. A staggering 62% of new parents report feeling lonely or isolated at least some of the time, according to new research from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Nearly nine out of ten parents feel overwhelmed, and almost a quarter say they lack a strong support system.

Modern parenthood wasn’t meant to feel this way. For many, it does.

In response, English Heritage, the charity that manages over 400 historic sites across England, has introduced a simple, beautiful idea to help. They’re called “bonding benches.”

A bench that works for you

Here’s how it works: bonding benches are being installed at castles, abbeys, and gardens—places where families tend to gather. They’re strategically placed near playgrounds and open grasslands, as well as other spots where parents take a moment for themselves while their kids burn off energy. But these are not ordinary benches.

Each bench has a small slider that you can switch between two settings: “up for a chat” or “craving quiet.”

A young girl demonstrates the “up for a chat” function on a bonding bench. Photo credit: English Heritage

That’s it. No apps, no awkward eye contact, just a small piece of plastic that shows other parents how you’re feeling in that moment—and whether you’re open to talking.

Emma Fernandes Lopes, assistant operations director at English Heritage, explains the reasoning behind it:

“As parents, we are hardwired to prioritize our children’s wellbeing. We bring them out to wonderful places like English Heritage sites to explore the outdoors and expand their horizons. But we often forget that the key to children’s wellbeing is actually found in whether their parents feel happy and supported.”

She continues, “Modern parenthood can be a really isolating experience. Many parents live a long way away from their extended families and have no support network to lean back on, and it’s often a real challenge to make friends who hold the same values and interests.”

The benches were launched in February 2026, ahead of the United Kingdom’s half-term holidays. They are now available at popular sites including Kenilworth Castle, Bolsover Castle, Wroxeter Roman City, and Witley Court and Gardens.

Why this matters more than you realize

The statistics behind this initiative are eye-opening. The NCT’s research, which surveyed 2,000 new and expectant parents across the UK, found that 87% feel overwhelmed at least some of the time. More than one in five (23%) did not have a positive feeding experience. And 23% said they lacked a strong support system.

But what makes parental loneliness so insidious? The shame that accompanies it.

People experiencing loneliness often shame themselves for it. Photo credit: Canva

Research from the UK government’s loneliness stigma assessment found that people experiencing loneliness often feel embarrassed or worry they’ll be judged if they admit it. Parents, in particular, fear being labeled as “bad” or “inadequate” if they reach out for help. As a result, they don’t. They withdraw instead, which only deepens their feelings of isolation.

For mothers and fathers who have moved away from family, whose friends don’t have children yet, or who feel out of step with the current parenting culture around them, the loneliness can feel overwhelming.

More than just a bench

English Heritage is expanding beyond benches. The charity has partnered with the NCT to bring their popular “Walk and Talks” to selected sites—free, volunteer-led walks designed for parents with strollers, slings, and young children. These walks are taking place at Audley End, Kenwood, Marble Hill, Wrest Park, and Kenilworth Castle, with plans to add more locations.

Families can also pick up an “Adventurer’s Checklist” at any site, a free list of 25 fun activities for young children. Imagine splashing in puddles, spotting signs of animal life, and making silly sounds in echoing places. The tasks are meant to encourage interaction among families who might not usually connect.

Depending on the site, there are also playgroups, chatty cafes, and children’s crafting sessions. All are created to give parents low-pressure ways to connect.

The secret: Low-pressure connection

The genius of bonding benches lies in what they don’t do.

They don’t pressure you to start conversations. They don’t expect you to “put yourself out there”—a vague and somewhat intimidating phrase for many. Bonding benches invite parents to sit and honestly assess whether they have the energy to talk or would rather enjoy five minutes of silence while their kid digs a hole with their bare hands.

Bonding benches are low-pressure ways to connect with other parents. Photo credit: English Heritage

That simple permission matters. It’s not that adults don’t want to make friends; they do. But there’s a common fear of rejection. We dread the small talk and worry we’ll seem eager, needy, or weird.

The slider eases all that pressure. If someone sits next to you and moves their marker to “up for a chat,” they’re giving you the go-ahead. You don’t have to guess or act. Just say hi.

But if you need quiet, you can signal that too without feeling guilty or apologizing.

The bigger picture

Parenting shouldn’t feel this lonely.

For years, anthropologists and evolutionary biologists have been saying humans did not evolve to raise children in nuclear families.

Among the Aka people of Central Africa, an infant typically has about 20 different caregivers, including extended family, neighbors, and other community members who help with child-rearing.

We were never supposed to parent by ourselves. Photo credit: English Heritage

But in the Western world, we’ve narrowed caregiving to just one or two exhausted adults. Parenting has become a private matter, yet we still wonder why parents are tired, lonely, and overwhelmed.

English Heritage’s initiative won’t fix that structural problem. But it’s a meaningful step in the right direction. It reminds parents that connection is still possible, even in small moments. It sends a message: reaching out to others doesn’t make you weak—and you’re not the only one craving closeness.

What happens next?

The bonding benches are now live, and early feedback has been positive. Parents on social media have praised them, calling the benches “brilliant,” “exactly what we need,” and “such a simple but powerful idea.”

View this post on Instagram

However, the true test will be whether they can make a lasting impact, measured by parents using them, conversations taking place, and friendships forming.

Another important question: will other organizations develop their own versions of the bonding bench? If a historic charity that manages medieval castles can recognize that modern families are struggling—and take action—the hope is that others will do the same.

If you’re in England and want to find your nearest English Heritage site with a bonding bench, visit its website. If you’d like to volunteer as an NCT Walk & Talk leader, you can find out more on its website.

Next time you’re at the playground, find the bench. Feeling brave? Move that marker to “up for a chat.” You might be surprised who also slides theirs up.

Keep Reading →
A mother and her sick child. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Parenting

Parents are incredibly accurate when predicting if their child is seriously sick

A new study shows parents should trust their gut.

Tod Perry

2/26/2026

Since the dawn of time, it’s been believed that parents, especially mothers, have a mysterious intuition: a deep-seated gut feeling when something is wrong with their child. Interestingly, according to a recent study out of the University of Oulu in Finland, that intuition appears to be real. Parents who believed their child had a serious illness, even before consulting a doctor, were correct 91% of the time.

To determine how accurate a parent’s assessment of their child was, administrators gave 36-item questionnaires to parents of 2,375 patients who had been admitted to Oulu University Hospital. They found that more than nine out of 10 parents of seriously ill children knew something was wrong even before taking the assessment.

Parents can determine a serious health issue with their kid 91% of the time

A child at the hospital. Photo credit: Canva

“Parental concern is an important warning sign,” Dr. Hilla Pöyry, a pediatrician, said in a statement. “If a parent is worried about their suddenly ill child’s condition, the child must have the opportunity to be assessed by a doctor. A worried parent should not be left alone to make a remote assessment of their child’s condition.”

Researchers believe this study is important given the increasing use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in hospitals. It affirms the idea that a parent’s intuition has value, even in a world dominated by technology.

“Our results show that such tools require careful validation, and they do not yet replace the assessment of a healthcare professional,” Pöyry added. “Although a parent may not always be able to describe the child’s symptoms in detail or accurately, they recognise a serious illness very well when asked a simple concern-based question.”

A mom and two kids at the hospital. Photo credit: Canva

Why do parents have an intuitive sense of their child’s health?

Susan Albers, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, said that a mother’s special bond with her child is the result of both nature and nurture. On the nature side, the two share a chemical bond: when a mother spends time with her child, oxytocin is released in the brain. On the nurture side, mothers spend thousands of hours with their child, allowing them to pick up on tiny patterns that others wouldn’t notice.

“A mother’s intuition is a very real phenomenon,” Albers said. “It is described as a gut level of awareness of what is happening with your child, whether it is what they need, what they are feeling, or if they are in danger based on no information or explanation.”

The findings should give parents confidence that when they think something isn’t right with their child, there’s a good chance they’re correct. It’s also a strong reason to seek a second opinion when a doctor may not agree with a parent’s assessment. The study gives doctors something extra to consider when a parent brings a child into the office. In short, there’s a good chance something really is wrong, even if it isn’t immediately apparent.

Keep Reading →
A skier and kids playing in the snow. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Kids

Youth sports in Norway shun competition for fun. And they just won the Olympics.

Participation trophies are working out just fine over there.

Evan Porter

2/24/2026

The final medal count for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games is in, and there’s a clear winner. Of the 29 countries to win at least one medal, Norway took home the most hardware overall with 41 medals. This included 18 gold medals, the most of any country. It’s a resounding victory over the United States, which came in second place with 33 medals.

High-performing Olympic nations are often famous (or infamous) for their aggressive training tactics. China, for example, has been said to “ruthlessly select and train competitors from an early age—with children as young as four being enlisted to train for the team.”

Nearly everyone hoping for Olympic greatness has to start training at a young age. Norway, however, takes a different approach with its youth sports culture. Instead of winning, it’s all about fun. The country does a few things differently that are counterintuitive to a hyper-competitive, gold-at-any-cost mindset.

A skier is seen mid-air. Photo credit: Canva

No keeping score

Per CNN, “Until the age of 12 in Norway, nobody in youth sports is allowed to keep score, and there are no league standings either.”

Compare that to many American youth sports leagues, which generally begin keeping score around the age of seven. Keeping score in kids’ leagues is often a source of great controversy. Proponents argue that it teaches children sportsmanship, how to lose with grace, and how to cope with disappointment. However, critics say the emphasis on winning sucks the fun out of the sport and prematurely ratchets up pressure many kids just aren’t ready for.

No early specialization

You’d think the best path to becoming a great alpine skier would be to focus rigorously on the sport as early as possible. Coaches in Norway disagree.

Instead, they believe true talent is revealed not in early childhood but in the teen years. Kids growing up in Norway try many different sports before deciding which one they’re best suited to focus on.

Participation trophies for all

Yes, the dreaded participation trophy was once decried as the thing that made Millennials soft. But it seems to be working out OK for the Norwegians. If one kid gets a trophy in Norway, everyone gets one.

And the guidelines don’t end there. Norway isn’t big on travel leagues, preferring to keep kids in local leagues as long as possible, and it caps the cost of youth sports instead of letting them balloon out of control. The entire youth sports ecosystem is run by the government and not-for-profit organizations. Leagues also mandate equal playing time for kids at younger ages to ensure everyone has fun and gets an opportunity. It’s all summed up beautifully by the slogan, “Joy of Sport for All.”

It sounds counterintuitive, but it works for them. And 2026 was no outlier. The Norwegians often excel in the Winter Olympics and have won four straight games. They’re not too shabby in the Summer Games, either. Though the country is naturally better suited to snow sports like skiing, Norway regularly nabs top results in summer sports like weightlifting, beach volleyball, and track and field. Per capita, its performance in the Summer Games is especially impressive.

Norway’s model is not perfectly replicable in every country. The U.S., for example, features decentralized and privately run sports leagues. It would be nearly impossible to get them all to operate in the same way and discard decades of success. It’s also debatable whether we would even want to, because the U.S., it turns out, is also quite good at sports.

View this post on Instagram

But it’s fascinating to watch a country operate in ways that seem almost completely antithetical to high-level competition and still achieve elite results.

Not only does Norway bring home Olympic medals, but its kids also have some of the highest sports participation rates in the world. They’re also generally fit, healthy, and extremely happy. It’s no wonder the country is considered one of the best places in the world to raise kids.

Keep Reading →