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20 best multivitamins for dogs

Fluffy Pomeranian in pink coat sitting on a bench next to a white handbag.

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

In the realm of responsible pet care, ensuring the well-being of our canine companions goes beyond cuddles and playtime. With the goal of providing comprehensive and balanced nutrition in mind, the significance of multivitamins tailored for dogs becomes increasingly apparent. As startling statistics reveal that over 50% of dogs across the globe exhibit vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and considering that nearly 80% of a dog's immune system is intricately linked to its gut health, we embark on a journey to explore the 20 best multivitamins meticulously formulated to bolster the vitality and longevity of our furry friends.

20 best multivitamins for dogs

Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew

Hand holding a Sundry dog food bag against a pink background.

Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew is the perfect multivitamin supplement for your furry friend. These soft chews are specifically formulated to provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. With a variety of essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as B-complex vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew is the perfect way to support your dog's overall health and well-being. Not only are they delicious and easy to administer, but they also provide the necessary nutrients required to keep your dog's immune system strong, maintain healthy skin and coat, and support healthy bones and joints. Give your dog the gift of good health with Pupper Canine Multi Soft Chew.

Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites

Are you looking for a way to help your furry friend stay healthy and happy? Look no further than Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites. These multivitamins for dogs contain a blend of essential vitamins and minerals to support immune function, skin and coat health, joint health, and more. With delicious ingredients like peanut butter and chicken flavor, your pup will look forward to taking their daily dose. Plus, these bites are grain-free and made in the USA with only natural ingredients. Give your dog the boost they need with Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Bites.

Vet Promise Dog Multivitamin Chewable with Glucosamine

As dog owners, we all want our furry friends to stay healthy and happy for as long as possible. To ensure that they get all the vital nutrients they need, many pet owners turn to multivitamins for dogs. The Vet Promise Dog Multivitamin Chewable with Glucosamine is an excellent option for those in search of a high-quality dog multivitamin. It contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as glucosamine to support joint health. What’s more, these chewable tablets are delicious and easy for your dog to digest. By providing your pet with this top-quality supplement, you can help keep them in the best possible shape for years to come.

HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs

Veterinarian Recommended Complete Multi, pet supplement, with illustration of a blue dog.

As dog owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. We make sure they get the proper nutrition they need to keep them healthy and happy. But sometimes, even with the best efforts put forth, our pets can still be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals. That's where HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs comes in. This amazing product delivers all the essential multivitamins for dogs in one easy-to-administer liquid form. It's a great addition to any dog's diet, helping to ensure they maintain strong bones and healthy coats, promoting heart and immune system health, and providing other benefits. Say hello to stronger, healthier, happier furry family members with HUGGIBLES All-in-One Multi Liquid Vitamin for Dogs.

Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs

Pet Naturals Daily Multi container for dogs with golden retriever image.

As responsible pet owners, we all know that taking care of our furry friends is a top priority. Just like humans, dogs also require a balanced diet and essential vitamins to maintain their health and wellbeing. That's where Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs comes in - a specially formulated multivitamin that can help support your dog's overall vitality. These chewable tablets are designed to provide all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your furry friend might not receive from their food alone, promoting healthy growth and immunity. With Pet Naturals Daily Multivitamin for Dogs, you can rest assured that your pet is getting the daily dose of vitamins that they need to lead a happy and healthy life.

Pet Honesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin

Pet Honesty multivitamin jar for adult dogs with a Golden Retriever image.

As pet owners, we all want to provide the best care possible for our furry friends. Ensuring that they're healthy and happy is at the top of our priority list. As important as providing nutritious meals and regular exercise is for our dogs, they may still require additional supplementation. That's where multivitamins for dogs come in. The Pet Honesty 10-in-1 Dog Multivitamin is an excellent choice. It provides a complete range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog's immune system, joint health, digestive system, and more. With this multivitamin, you can count on your four-legged friend being as healthy and vibrant as possible.

Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs

"Dog soft chews pack: 11-in-1, multi-function, chicken flavor, 120 chews."

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends live long, healthy lives filled with tail wags and belly rubs. One way to support our dogs' overall health and well-being is by incorporating multivitamins into their daily routine. That's where Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs comes in. This specially formulated blend of essential vitamins and minerals helps support a dog's immune system, joint health, and overall vitality. With natural ingredients like salmon oil, cranberry extract, and vitamin E, Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs is a safe and easy way to give your pup the boost they need to thrive. Give your pup the gift of good health with Meg & Hugo Multivitamin for Dogs.

VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Dogs

VetriScience Canine Plus Multivitamin packaging with a dog image.

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry companions receive the best care possible. One aspect of their well-being that we may overlook is their nutritional needs. This is where multivitamins for dogs, such as VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin, come in handy. These supplements provide a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your dog's overall health. With daily use, you can rest assured that your pup is receiving the essential nutrients they need to thrive. So, whether you have a growing puppy or a senior dog, consider adding a multivitamin to their diet for optimal health and happiness.

VetIQ Multi Vitamin Supplement for Dogs

Dog multivitamin packet with smiling golden retriever, 90 hickory smoke-flavored chews.

VetIQ Multi Vitamin Supplement for Dogs is a comprehensive blend of key vitamins and minerals essential to support your furry friend's overall health and well-being. Designed to provide essential nutrients that are often missing from a dog's diet, VetIQ's multivitamins for dogs are the perfect way to fill in any nutritional gaps and ensure that your pet is receiving the support they need. Whether you have a growing puppy or a senior dog, the right multivitamin supplement can go a long way in helping keep your pet happy and healthy. With VetIQ's easy-to-administer chewable tablets, daily supplements for your dog can be a breeze. So whether you are looking to support cognitive function in older dogs or provide vital nutrients for growing puppies, VetIQ's multivitamin supplements are a great choice to help keep your pup at their best.

VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs

VetriScience Canine Plus Senior Multivitamin for dogs, 60 bite-sized chews in a jar.

As our furry friends age, it’s important to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients to maintain their health and happiness. VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs provides just that, with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals designed specifically for aging dogs. This multivitamin supports joint health, cognitive function, and immune system function, all while promoting overall vitality and well-being. From antioxidant-rich nutrients like Vitamin E to joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine, this multivitamin covers all the bases to keep your senior dog feeling its best. Give them the gift of optimal health with VETRISCIENCE Canine Plus MultiVitamin for Senior Dogs.

ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs

Dog multivitamin supplement jar with 120 chicken-flavored chews, featuring health benefits.

As we strive to promote good health and well-being for our furry friends, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition is key. Enter the ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs, a comprehensive multivitamin supplement formulated to support your dog's immune system, energy levels, joint health, and more. Perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes, this daily supplement contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may be missing from your dog's diet, helping to fill any nutritional gaps and support their overall health. Give your pooch the boost they need with the ZEBORA Daily Multi for Dogs.

Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables for Adult Dogs

Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite for dogs, daily vitamins, 120 liver flavor chewables bottle.

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. That's why it's important to ensure that they're getting all the nutrients they need to thrive. While a balanced diet is essential, sometimes our dogs may need a little extra help. That's where Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables for Adult Dogs come in. These multivitamins are specifically formulated to provide your adult dog with essential vitamins and minerals that may be missing from their diet. They come in a tasty chewable form, making it easy to give your pup the extra boost they need. With Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables, you can rest assured that your dog is getting the nutrients they need to live their happiest, healthiest life possible.

FORTE NATURALS Collagen Peptide Pills

Collagen peptides supplement bottle with 100 easy-to-swallow tablets, by Forte Naturals.

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

Bottle of Optiwize Health supplement for joint and tissue support with 320 capsules.

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 bottle with lemon flavor image on the label.

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

Pink container of collagen peptides, labeled for post-workout and recovery.

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

Rae Vegan Collagen Boost supplement jar with brown label and yellow text.

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

Black jar of Multi Collagen Burn supplement, raspberry lemonade flavor.

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

NeoCell Beauty Builder gummies bottle for hair, skin, and nails with collagen and biotin.

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

White bottle of Caribou Nutrition Multi Collagen supplement with 180 capsules.

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 supplement bottle with colorful design, labeled for skin, hair, and nail health.

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

White bottle of "Living Collagen" supplements with black cap.

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 Peptides powder pouch, with measuring scoop, for hair, skin, and joint support.

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

NeoCell collagen peptides container, unflavored, for skin, hair, nails, and joint support.

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

Black bottle of ForestLeaf Advanced Collagen with capsules beside it.

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

Pink bottle of vegan collagen-boosting gummies, watermelon flavor, 3-month supply.

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

Bottle of collagen wrinkle formula capsules, 150 count.

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.

From Your Site Articles

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Levi Strauss Foundation

The Levi Strauss Foundation advances the human rights and well-being of underserved people in places where the company has a business presence

Modern Families

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.

Pictured here: Anita Omary; her son, Osman; and Omary’s close friends

True

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.

Education

How to keep your mouth shut in conversations when you know you should really stay quiet

Most people never regret just staying silent.

quiet, finger over lips, don't talk, keep it to yourself, silence

via Canva/Photos

A woman with her finger over her mouth.

It can be hard to stay quiet when you feel like you just have to speak your mind. But sometimes it's not a great idea to share your opinions on current events with your dad or tell your boss where they're wrong in a meeting. And having a bit of self-control during a fight with your spouse is a good way to avoid apologizing the next morning.

Further, when we fight the urge to talk when it's not necessary, we become better listeners and give others a moment in the spotlight to share their views. Building that small mental muscle to respond to events rather than react can make all the difference in social situations.

argument, coworkers, angry coworkers, hostile work enviornment, disagreement A woman is getting angry at her coworker.via Canva/Photos

What is the WAIT method?

One way people have honed the skill of holding back when they feel the burning urge to speak up is the WAIT method, an acronym for the question you should ask yourself in that moment: "Why Am I Talking?" Pausing to consider the question before you open your mouth can shift your focus from "being heard" to "adding value" to any conversation.

The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic has some questions we should consider after taking a WAIT moment:

What is my intention behind what I am about to say?
What question can I ask to better understand what the other person is saying?
Is my need to talk an attempt to divert the attention to me?
How might I become comfortable with silence rather than succumb to my urge to talk?

tape over muth, sielnce, be quiet, mouth shut, saying nothing A man with tape over his mouth.via Canva/Photos

The WAIT method is a good way to avoid talking too much. In work meetings, people who overtalk risk losing everyone's attention and diluting their point to the extent that others aren't quite sure what they were trying to say. Even worse, they can come across as attention hogs or know-it-alls. Often, the people who get to the heart of the matter succinctly are the ones who are noticed and respected.

Just because you're commanding the attention of the room doesn't mean you're doing yourself any favors or helping other people in the conversation.

The WAIT method is also a great way to give yourself a breather and let things sit for a moment during a heated, emotional discussion. It gives you a chance to cool down and rethink your goals for the conversation. It can also help you avoid saying something you regret.

fight, spuse disagreement, communications skills, upset husband, argument A husband is angry with his wife. via Canva/Photos

How much should I talk in a meeting?

So if it's a work situation, like a team meeting, you don't want to be completely silent. How often should you speak up?

Cary Pfeffer, a speaking coach and media trainer, shared an example of the appropriate amount of time to talk in a meeting with six people:

"I would suggest a good measure would be three contributions over an hour-long meeting from each non-leader participant. If anyone is talking five/six/seven times you are over-participating! Allow someone else to weigh in, even if that means an occasional awkward silence. Anything less seems like your voice is just not being represented, and anything over three contributions is too much."

Ultimately, the WAIT method is about taking a second to make sure you're not just talking to hear yourself speak. It helps ensure that you have a clear goal for participating in the conversation and that you're adding value for others. Knowing when and why to say something is the best way to make a positive contribution and avoid shooting yourself in the foot.

From Your Site Articles

communications tips

Parenting

Boomer grandparents often forget what it's like having young kids. Millennials call it 'gramnesia.'

"Gramnesia" combines the words "grandparent" and "amnesia".

gramnesia, millennial, millennial parents, boomers, boomer parents, boomer grandparents, boomer grandparenting

@millennialmomtherapist/Instagram, Photo credit: Canva

Millennials coined the term "gramnesia" for Boomer grandparents who have forgotten what it's like raising kids.

Becoming a grandparent is the dream for many parents who've raised their children into adulthood. After all, there are few things sweeter than getting to spend time with grandkids.

But many Millennial parents have had many bones to pick with their Boomer parents about their grandparenting skills (or lack thereof). Recently, Millennials have been calling out Boomer grandparents for a number of questionable grandparenting behaviors: from excessive gift giving to completely disappearing.

And its led one Millennial mom to coin the term "gramnesia" when describing her Boomer parents as grandparents.

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What is "gramnesia"?

“Gramnesia,” which combines the words “grandparent” and “amnesia,” has been popping up on Reddit discussions for a while now, though the coiner of the term seems unknown. But only recently has it been really gaining traction.

Back in June of 2024, Maryland-based therapist and mom Allie McQuaid, really brought “gramnesia” to the forefront of the conversation when she made an Instagram video all about it.

“I just heard this term called ‘gramnesia’ when grandparents forget what it’s really like having young kids and I can’t stop thinking about how accurate it is,” she said in the clip.

In her caption, McQuaid shared how so many of her clients would get “slammed” by their parents about how different (i.e. “easier”) raising kids was for them whenever they brought their own children around.

These hyperbolic memories are, as McQuaid put it, so “ridiculous” that they've clearly “forgot[ten] what it was really like in those early years of parenthood.”

@selahvictor
Millennial Moms have you experienced this?! I swear every time I ask my Mom about a parenting struggle, she's like "what are you talking about?" SHE HAS GRAMNESIA😂😂Disclaimer: my Mom had 8 kids, so maybe she just was way more of an expert than me😜Also if you made it to the end, this is probably why it was easier for that generation too (and why I'm a great sleeper!)😂 #boomers #millenialmom #millennial #boomermom #parentinghelp #momof8 #selahvictor #lamom #gramnesia

Examples of “gramnesia” statements

“You never had tantrums when you were a kid.”

“I potty trained you before you were one.”

“You were always happy to eat whatever we fed you.”

“You were spanked and turned out fine!”

Clearly, McQuaid’s video struck a chord, because it wasn’t long before people begin chiming in with their own stories of gramnesia:

“My MIL, over the years, loved to act like her children were perfect growing up. I love to tell the stories of her son (my hubby) getting into all kinds of trouble as a kid - oh the shock.”

“*Baby makes any kind of noise* Grandma: "Oh they must be teething!" Me : "Umm she's 4 months old, She isn't teething yet - just has feelings and is you know - A BABY" grandma: ‘well my kids had all their teeth by 4 months’ 😐🤨”

“5 months old and not sleeping through the night? Did you try rice cereal? Baby not walking ? Rice cereal. Baby not in college yet? Have you tried rice cereal?”

“Ugh my dad literally just said this to me last week… ‘I don’t remember you guys having this many tantrums’… 🙄 right after my boys were upset.”

gramnesia, boomer grandparent, boomer grandparents, grandkids, grandparenting Some Boomer grandparents are being called out for "gramnesia".Photo credit: Canva

Why "gramnesia" exists in the first place

One is that it could simply be the natural tendency to have a cognitive bias which puts past experiences in a more positive light than they actually were, aka having “euphoric recall.” As she told Huffpost, we tend to have a “foggier memory of how things truly were” as we get older, “especially if the experience we had was particularly difficult or even traumatic.”

Plus, the first few years of parenthood are often such a blur anyway. McQuaid herself admitted that ”I even have a hard time remembering the first year of motherhood, and that was only four years ago.”

In addition, McQuaid theorized that gramnesia exists because previous generations “were not given space to express emotions or indicate that they were struggling to adjust to motherhood.” Honestly, a sound hypothesis.

How to confront Boomer parents about "gramnesia"

“Check your capacity if you have the space or energy to even consider bringing up your frustration with your parents,” she told Huffpost. “You are likely in the throes of parenting right now, and maybe all you can do is smile and nod after hearing for the 100th time how ‘you were never like this.’”

However, if you are determined to bring it up and set the record straight, McQuaid suggests to actually keep it centered around you and how the situation makes you feel, rather than combating their memories. So, instead of saying, “That’s NOT how it happened!” try something like, “When you said that I never did X when I was Y’s age, it makes me question how well I’m doing as a parent.” Probably easier said than done, to be sure.

And while this sore spot might never come to a full resolution for a lot of millennial parents, at least take some solace in knowing that you’re not crazy, nor are you alone.

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

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Pop Culture

James Van Der Beek's realization about his identity after cancer has people pondering

"I had to look my own mortality in the eye," said the Dawson's Creek alum. "I had to come nose to nose with death."

Photo credits: SANSIERRASTUDIO (left) Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA (right)

James Van Der Beek in 2010 and 2023

There's nothing like a brush with death to make you reflect on your life. It's so easy for all of us to get caught up in the day-to-day details of living and not take the time to ponder the deeper elements of existence, from the nature of the universe to the meaning of life to our own individual role in the big picture.

Existential questions can sometimes feel overwhelming, but actor James Van Der Beek shared a thoughtful 48th birthday message with his own life reflection after facing cancer, and it distills a lot of the angst of those questions into a simple yet profound answer that's hitting home with people.

Van Der Beek, who starred in the millennial favorite Dawson's Creek, announced he'd been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024 at age 47. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children, and in a video shared on social media, Van Der Beek shared the progression from his somewhat unfulfilling identity as an actor to "the ultimate" identity as a husband and father prior to his cancer diagnosis.

"I could define myself as a loving, capable, strong, supportive husband, father, provider, steward of the land that we're so lucky to live on," he said. "And for a long time, that felt like a really good definition of the question, 'Who am I? What am I?'"

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"And then this year, I had to look my own mortality in the eye," he continued. "I had to come nose to nose with death. And all of those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me. I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who is helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them. I could not be a provider because I wasn't working. I couldn't even be a steward of the land because at times I was too weak to prune all the trees during the window that you're supposed to prune them."

He found himself facing the question: "If I am just a too-skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment, with cancer, what am I?"

So often we define ourselves by our roles in life or by what we do, but what if those things change? Who are we when it's just us, alone, with nothing external to anchor us to a particular identity?

"And I meditated and the answer came through," Van Der Beek shared. "I am worthy of God's love, simply because I exist. And if I'm worthy of God's love, shouldn't I also be worthy of my own? And the same is true for you."

I offer that to you however it sits in your consciousness. However it resonates, run with it," he said. "And if the word God trips you up, I certainly don't know or claim to know what God is or explain God. My efforts to connect to God are an ongoing process that is a constant unfolding mystery to me. But if it's a trigger or if it feels too religious you can take the word 'God' out and your mantra can simply be 'I am worthy of love.' Because you are."

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Van Der Beek's sincere, warm delivery and universal message of love and worth hit home for a lot of people. Fellow celebrities and fans alike praised and thanked him for it:

"Happy birthday brother. This was absolutely beautiful 💜🙏🏻💜," wrote singer Chris Daughtry.

"You’re a gift to this earth and I’m grateful to know you even if it’s just through IG. Greatly admire the graceful way you share and happy you made it around the Sun again," wrote New Kids on the Block's Joey McIntyre.

The Sopranos' Jamie-Lynn Sigler wrote, "That is it James. That is it. And you my friend are love. A steward of love. A teacher of love !❤️. We love you !!"

"I watched this with Bodhi with tears in our eyes and Bodhi said 'that was really touching' thanks for being love James and sharing that with everyone, ❤️" added actor Teresa Palmer.

Battlestar Galactica reboot's Katee Sackhoff wrote, "Thank you for your vulnerability and wisdom ❤️ Amen!'

"You are such a special soul. You are pure love my friend," added actor Nikki Reed. "Worthy of it all… hoping to hug all of you soon. Happy birthday❤️❤️❤️"

Some people took issue with Van Der Beek saying people could remove the word "God" from the message if they wanted to, but the reality is that not everyone has positive feelings about God or religion, and some have even been deeply hurt by people weaponizing them. Van Der Beek making a message of love more universal so that everyone can take it in and benefit from it without barriers or hang-ups is part of what makes it so beautiful. He was able to express his own religious/spiritual experience without shying away from the terminology that was true for him, while also making sure that his message was accessible to everyone regardless of faith or belief.

Perhaps we can all take a lesson from Van Der Beek's sincere, open, and balanced approach as well.

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Parenting

Millennial shares the lies that every kid's parents told them in the '90s

"Chocolate milk comes from brown cows."

1990s kids, 1990s parents, lies, '90s nostalgia, old wives tale, '90s kid

via 90sKid4lyfe/TikTok (used with permission)

90sKidforLife shares 10 lies everyone's parents told in the era.

Children believe everything their parents tell them. So, when parents lie to prevent their kids to stop them from doing something dumb, the untruth can take on a life of its own. The lie can get passed on from generation to generation until it becomes a zombie lie that has a life of its own. In 2024, a man named Justin, known as 90sKid4Lyfe on TikTok and Instagram, put together a list of 10 lies parents told their kids in the ‘90s, and the Gen X kids in the comments thought it was spot on.

“Why was I told EVERY ONE of these?” one commenter, wrote. “I heard all of these plus the classic ‘If you keep making that face, it will get stuck like that,’” another added. After just four days of being posted, the video had been viewed upwards of 250,000 times.

@90skid4lyfe
Parents were always lying #90s #90skids #parenting

Here are Justin’s 10 lies '90s parents told their kids:

1. "You can't drink coffee. It'll stunt your growth."

2. "If you pee in the pool, it's gonna turn blue."

3. "Chocolate milk comes from brown cows."

4. "If you eat those watermelon seeds, you'll grow a watermelon in your stomach."

5. "Don't swallow that gum. If you do, it'll take 7 years to come out."

6. "I told you we can't drive with the interior light on. ... It's illegal."

7. "Sitting that close to the TV is going to ruin your vision."

8. "If you keep cracking your knuckles, you're gonna get arthritis."

8. "You just ate, you gotta wait 30 minutes before you can swim."

10. "If you get a tattoo, you won't find a job."

'90s kids, '80s kids, parents, white lies, tattoo, jobs A woman gets a tattoo.Canva Photos

Eight more lies that parents told their kids in the '90s

Justin's video was also a hit on Reddit, where many commenters had heard the same lies growing up. However, there were a few more they remembered hearing as kids back in the day. Commenters added eight more items to his list of 10 things that parents lied to their kids about in the '90s. Here are some great ones Justin could use to create a follow-up video:

"When the ice cream man is playing music, that means he’s all sold out."

"You'll never make any money messing around with that computer."

'90s kids, '80s kids, parents, white lies, kids, parenting Boy playing on the computer.Canva Photos

"Dusty went to live on a farm."

"You'll go to jail if you take the mattress tag off."

"My in-laws told my husband (as a child) not to flip the light switch on and off because he would start a fire in the wall that would burn down the house."

"I was also always told that if I played with the campfire, I would wet the bed that night."

"Green potato chips are poisonous, and eating raw hot dogs gives you cancer."

"My mom told me I couldn’t put on the skin transfer tattoo that came with my chewing gum because the tattoo had drugs in it."

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

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Culture

Young people share their petty 'boomer' complaints, proving old folks can be right

Everyone, young and old, has had it with QR codes.

boomers, old people complaints, technology, gen x, millennials, gen z, grumpy old man, old people, seniors

via Tim Doefler/Unsplash

Boomers weren't wrong about everything. Here are 16 complaints even young people agree with.

Baby boomers often find themselves the butt of the joke these days. Deserved or not, they have to absorb some serious criticism from Gen Xers down to Gen Alpha kids. Notoriously, the generation takes heat from younger generations who think that their me-first mentality helped create a world where the climate is getting warmer, the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer and people born in the ‘40s and ‘50s still rule the modern workplace. They're also famous for being crotchety, cranky, and pessimistic about the way the world is going.

And in that, they're not always wrong. Many boomers would probably stand up and cheer if they read a list of tweets inspired by a since-deleted discussion on X that posted the question, “What is the most boomer complaint you have?”

The debate was embraced by younger people and received over 123 million views and spawned similar discourses all across social media.

boomers, old people complaints, technology, gen x, millennials, gen z, grumpy old man, old people, seniors Grumpy boomers aren't wrong about everything. Photo by Evgeniy Kozlov on Unsplash

Even though boomers are frequently in the hot seat these days, just about everyone can agree that they’re right about many things that get under younger people’s skin, too. One of the recurring themes of the post was that people can’t stand the fact that we are overly dependent on technology, and often, instead of making things more accessible, it makes them more frustrating.

Here are 16 of the best ‘boomer complaints’ that younger people have, too.

People had a lot of thoughts on the state of tipping culture.

"Tipping culture has gotten out of hand," one user wrote.

The discussion and sentiment continued over on Reddit, where one user joked: "Do you want to tip 20% for this comment?"

- YouTube www.youtube.com

They also can’t stand the idea that technology has complicated things unnecessarily.

One Redditor wrote simply, "I miss buttons."

"And cords. Can’t I just connect things like the old days??" someone added.

Another observed how annoying it is to "sign up" for every single thing. "Don’t make me have an account for everything."

"This more broadly is turning into one of my largest complaints about living ... Too many apps, too many accounts, too many ads, too many notifications, too many questions, too many email lists," someone responded.

And don't even get them started on AI.

"I. WANT. TO. TALK. TO. AN. AGENT!!!!!! DON’T. WANT. YOUR. [&$^@&*#]. AI. CUSTOMER. SUPPORT!!!!!!!" a Redditor fumed.

Some were frustrated enough to find ways to hack the system. "My hack that I find works on the majority of these systems is to mumble nonsense when asked 'what can i help you with today?', the system usually asks to clarify a couple of times and then will get you an agent as it cannot understand your request."

Also—what happened to adult clothes?

"Adults shouldn't dress like children. Jordans, Yeezys, 'slides', etc." someone added.

Whatever happened to paying for something once and then owning it?

Or being able to own physical media so that you don’t have to pay every time you watch your favorite movie?

"I wanna go back to blue-rays and DVDs and actually own the content I like. Fk streaming, yes to physical media!"

"Why does everything good require a subscription"

"I am absolutely not paying a monthly subscription to use your shitty app," a Reddit user wrote.

Moving on to food complaints.

When did we all decide that almost every chip has to be kettle-cooked and made for people with cobalt teeth? Enjoying a snack shouldn't result in a $5,000 dental bill.

"potato chips are too expensive and too hard these days" wrote someone on X.

Oh, and the new high-tech food menus drive everyone nuts, too:

"Please don't make me scan a QR code for the menu," a Reddit user added.

"I don't want to use a QR code to see a menu or store hours, give me a paper menu," an X user agreed.

boomers, old people complaints, technology, gen x, millennials, gen z, grumpy old man, old people, seniors Even the young people can't stand QR codes. Photo by Albert Hu on Unsplash

Remember when coffee was a quarter? Boomers do.

These days, it's common to spend $6 or $7 PLUS on a cup of Joe.

"I remember when coffee wasn’t the cost of a meal," an X user reminisced.

And it's not just coffee. Even the price of a McDonald's cheeseburger has nearly doubled in the last ten years. We're all cranky about it.

boomers, old people complaints, technology, gen x, millennials, gen z, grumpy old man, old people, seniors Everything, even fast food, has gotten out of control expensive. Photo by Hexandcube on Unsplash

We might label boomers as the cranky generation, but eventually, Gen Xers, millennials and, yes, even Gen Zers will be right behind them, complaining about "kids these days" and why things were so much better "in my day." Tis the circle of life. One the bright side though, they'll at least be better at using technology.

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

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