20 best multivitamins for dogs

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…

Upworthy Staff

Sep 28, 2023

Array – Photo credit: Array

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

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

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.

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Youth-led party for community engagement, MEDEA, Tanzania Captured by James Roh for Pura

Culture, Education, Empowered Women, Equality, Family, Identity, Modern Families

The next generation of female leaders has arrived. Here’s how they’re making sure they (and every girl) get a chance to learn.

Malala Fund and their local partners, with support from Pura, help girls find their voice. The result: greater access to education and a better world.

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Music, community and joy drive real change

In a small village in Pwani, a district on Tanzania’s coast, a massive dance party is coming to a close. For the past two hours, locals have paraded through the village streets, singing and beating ngombe drums; now, in a large clearing, a woman named Sheilla motions for everyone to sit facing a large projector screen. A film premiere is about to begin.

It’s an unusual way to kick off a film about gender bias, inequality, early marriage, and other barriers that prevent girls from accessing education in Tanzania. But in Pwani and beyond, local organizations supported by Malala Fund and funded by Pura are finding creative, culturally relevant ways like this one to capture people’s interest.

The film ends and Sheilla, the Communications and Partnership Lead for Media for Development and Advocacy (MEDEA), stands in front of the crowd once again, asking the audience to reflect: What did you think about the film? How did it relate to your own experience? What can we learn?

Sheilla explains that, once the community sees the film, “It brings out conversations within themselves, reflective conversations.” The resonance and immediate action create a ripple effect of change.

MEDEA Screening Audience in Tanzania. Captured by James Roh for Pura

Across Tanzania, gender-based violence often forces adolescent girls out of the classroom. This and other barriers — including child marriage, poverty, conflict, and discrimination — prevent girls from completing their education around the world.

Sheilla and her team are using film and radio programs to address the challenges girls face in their communities. MEDEA’s ultimate goal is to affirm education as a fundamental right for everyone, and to ensure that every member of a community understands how girls’ education contributes to a stronger whole and how to be an ally for their sisters, daughters, granddaughters, friends, nieces, and girlfriends.

Sheilla’s story is one of many that inspired Heart on Fire, a new fragrance from the Pura x Malala Fund Collection that blends the warm, earthy spices of Tanzania with a playful, joyful twist. Here’s how Pura is using scent as a tool to connect the world and inspire action.

A partnership focused on local impact, on a global mission

Pura, a fragrance company that recognizes education as both freedom and a human right, has partnered with Malala Fund since 2022. In order to defend every girl’s right to access and complete 12 years of education, Malala Fund partners with local organizations in countries where the educational barriers are the greatest. They invest in locally-led solutions because they know that those who are closest to the problems are best equipped to solve and build durable solutions, like MEDEA, which works with communities to challenge discrimination against girls and change beliefs about their education.

But local initiatives can thrive and scale more powerfully with global support, which is why Pura is using their own superpower, the power of scent, to connect people around the world with the women and girls in these local communities.

The Pura x Malala Fund Collection incorporates ingredients naturally found in Tanzania, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Brazil: countries where Malala Fund operates to address systemic education barriers. Eight percent of net revenue from the Pura x Malala Fund Collection will be donated to Malala Fund directly, but beyond financial support, the Collection is also a love letter to each unique community, blending notes like lemon, jasmine, cedarwood, and clove to transport people, ignite their senses, and help them draw inspiration and hope from the global movement for girls’ education. Through scent, people can connect to the courage, joy, and tenacity of girls and local leaders, all while uniting in a shared commitment to education: the belief that supporting girls’ rights in one community benefits all of us, everywhere.

You’ve already met Sheilla. Now see how Naiara and Mama Habiba are building unique solutions to ensure every girl can learn freely and dare to dream.

Naiara Leite is reimagining what’s possible in Brazil

Julia with Odara in Brazil. Captured by Luisa Dorr for Pura

In Brazil, where pear trees and coconut plantations cover the Northeastern Coast, girls like ten-year-old Julia experience a different kind of educational barrier than girls in Tanzania. Too often, racial discrimination contributes to high dropout rates among Black, quilombola and Indigenous girls in the country.

“In the logic of Brazilian society, Black people don’t need to study,” says Naiara Leite, Executive Coordinator of Odara, a women-led organization and Malala Fund partner. Bahia, the state where Odara is based, was once one of the largest slave-receiving territories in the Americas, and because of that history, deeply-ingrained, anti-Black prejudice is still widespread. “Our role and the image constructed around us is one of manual labor,” Naiara says.

But education can change that. In 2020, with assistance from a Malala Fund grant, Odara launched its first initiative for improving school completion rates among Black, quilombola, and Indigenous girls: “Ayomidê Odara”. The young girls mentored under the program, including Julia, are known as the Ayomidês. And like the Pura x Malala Fund Collection’s Brazil: Breath of Courage scent, the Ayomidês are fierce, determined, and bursting with energy.

Ayomidês with Odara in Brazil. Captured by Luisa Dorr for Pura

Ayomidês take part in weekly educational sessions where they explore subjects like education and ethnic-racial relations. The girls are encouraged to find their own voices by producing Instagram lives, social media videos, and by participating in public panels. Already, the Ayomidês are rewriting the narrative on what’s possible for Afro-Brazilian girls to achieve. One of the earliest Ayomidês, a young woman named Debora, is now a communications intern. Another former Ayomidê, Francine, works at UNICEF, helping train the next generation of adolescent leaders. And Julia has already set her sights on becoming a math teacher or a model.

“These are generations of Black women who did not have access to a school,” Naiara says. “These are generations of Black women robbed daily of their dreams. And we’re telling them that they could be the generation in their family to write a new story.”

Mama Habiba is reframing the conversation in Nigeria

Centre for Girls' Education, Nigeria. Captured by James Roh for Pura

In Mama Habiba’s home country of Nigeria, the scents of starfruit, ylang ylang and pineapple, all incorporated into the Pura x Malala Collection’s “Nigeria: Hope for Tomorrow,” can be found throughout the vibrant markets. Like these native scents, Mama Habiba says that the Nigerian girls are also bright and passionate, but too often they are forced to leave school long before their potential fully blooms.

“Some of these schools are very far, and there is an issue of quality, too,” Mama Habiba says. “Most parents find out when their children are in school, the girls are not learning. So why allow them to continue?”

When girls drop out of secondary school, marriage is often the alternative. In Nigeria, one in three girls is married before the age of 18. When this happens, girls are unable to fulfill their potential, and their families and communities lose out on the social, health and economic benefits.

Completing secondary school delays marriage, and according to UNESCO, educated girls become women who raise healthier children, lift their families out of poverty and contribute to more peaceful, resilient communities.

Centre for Girls’ Education, Nigeria. Captured by James Roh for Pura

To encourage young girls to stay in school, the Centre for Girls’ Education, a nonprofit in Nigeria founded by Mama Habiba and supported by Malala Fund and Pura, has pioneered an initiative that’s similar to the Ayomidê workshops in Brazil: safe spaces. Here, girls meet regularly to learn literacy, numeracy, and other issues like reproductive health. These safe spaces also provide an opportunity for the girls to role-play and learn to advocate for themselves, develop their self-image, and practice conversations with others about their values, education being one of them. In safe spaces, Mama Habiba says, girls start to understand “who she is, and that she is a girl who has value. She has the right to negotiate with her parents on what she really feels or wants.”

“When girls are educated, they can unlock so many opportunities,” Mama Habiba says. “It will help the economy of the country. It will boost so many opportunities for the country. If they are given the opportunity, I think the sky is not the limit. It is the starting point for every girl.”

From parades, film screenings to safe spaces and educational programs, girls and local leaders are working hard to strengthen the quality, safety and accessibility of education and overcome systemic challenges. They are encouraging courageous behavior and reminding us all that education is freedom.

Experience the Pura x Malala Fund Collection here, and connect with the stories of real girls leading change across the globe.

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4/3/2026

Despite society having made a lot of progress when it comes to same-sex relationships and alternative families, it’s not so commonplace that many queer parents are still presented with questions about their lifestyle from straight people.

And while queer parents probably (rightfully) grow tired of answering certain questions day in and day out, having open conversation helps break through the lack of understanding which causes stigma and misconceptions in the first place. In a now-viral video shared to their Instagram, lesbian moms Allie and Sam Conway answer commonly asked questions they get as a queer married couple with twins.

What’s it like to be lesbian parents?

Of course, they started with the age-old question:

“Who’s the real mom?”

Though people by and large are able to differentiate biological connection from emotional connection (like with adoptive parents or step-parents to take on an active role in their step children’s lives), this is still a question that same-sex parents face regularly. And it’s a fairly harmful one at that, as it implicitly undermines the non-biological parent’s role in the family.

So, to Sam’s point: “We’re both the mom.”

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Allie also told Upworthy that the usual response to this answer is “oh my gosh! That’s amazing!” Which makes her—and us—”smile so much.”

Next up:

“Who’s the dad?”

To which they replied: “there isn’t a dad.”

This is also a question fused with negative connotation, as it suggests a father figure is necessary for raising well-adjusted kids. But research shows that kids born to same-sex parents fare just as well as the children of straight couples, indicating that what’s really necessary for a child’s development is two healthy, loving parents. That’s it.

Okay, this next one actually had an answer that surprised some folks:

“Who carried them?”

Though Sam wanted to be the one to get pregnant, Allie agreed to try after Sam’s “long fertility journey” of three IUI’s, three embryo transfers and multiple chemical pregnancies with one miscarriage.

However, the couple used Sam’s eggs, and Sam did the breastfeeding.

How the heck did that happen, you might wonder. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. So did lots of viewers. Sam underwent induced lactation, which tricks the body into thinking it’s pregnant and producing breast milk—it’s something often utilized by adoptive mothers.

What is induced lactation?

Induced lactation replicates the natural hormone process that happens when a woman gives birth. In this process, women are often given hormone supplements, such as estrogen or progesterone, to mimic the effects of pregnancy. This process may go on for months. About two months before the expected birth, the woman is then given a breast pump to stimulate lactation.

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Lastly, a fun one:

“What do the kids call you?”

“Mummy and other mummy,” Sam quipped. “We’re rotating all day,” Allie added.

Without proper understanding, stigma persists. That’s how myths like “queer parents turn their children gay” or “children of two-mother families are more likely to be bullied” continue. And while it’s certainly not the responsibility of parents like Allie and Sam to educate folks on the realities of queer parenting, it’s great that they do offer genuine insight.

And thankfully, they are usually met with positive reactions from people, Allie tells Upworthy. Which only further encourages them to answer more question and offer glimpses into “different types of families.”

At the end of the day, families are made up of people who love and support one another. Everything else is just window dressing.

Check out even more heartwarming family content from Allie and Sam on Instagram and YouTube.

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

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A child looks really upset on a playground. – Photo credit: Mick Haupt/Unsplash

Family, Modern Families

Gay dad has a forceful response to a 7-year-old who called gay people ‘the devil’

But some say the dad’s words went way too far.

Tod Perry

Upworthy Staff

4/3/2026

Robbie Pierce, his husband, Neal Broverman are no strangers to bigotry. The men and their two young children were traveling on an Amtrak train in California in 2022 when they were harassed by a fellow passenger at a stop in San Jose; an incident that made headlines.

“All of a sudden, there was a man standing there next to me,” Pierce told The Advocate. The man told their son, “Remember what I told you earlier. They stole you and they’re pedophiles,” Pierce recounts. The man also said that gay people are abominations. (Broverman is the editorial director for print media at Pride, The Advocate’s parent company.)

The police were called and the man was thrown off the train, but the incident was a frightening reminder that gay families could be the target of bigots any time and anywhere, even in liberal Northern California. “It’s a new level of homophobia out there,” Pierce added.

Seven months later, Pierce’s son was the victim of harassment, this time from a child at a park.

A tire swing at an empty park. Photo credit: Dakota Lim/Unsplash

“A random unattended 7-year-old at the park told me and my son that gay people are the devil,” he recounted in a viral X thread. “My son scoffed, but the boy said it was true because God said so.”

Maybe it was the incident months prior. Maybe it was a lifetime of harassment and judgment. But whatever it was, in that moment, Pierce had had enough. He reacted to the boy’s hatred — which he probably learned at home — with his own lesson.

“I told him parents made up God to make their Kids do what they want. His eyes got so big,” he wrote on X.

A random unattended 7yo at the park told me and my son that gay people are the devil and are going to hell. My son scoffed, but the boy said it was true because God said so. I told him parents made up God to make their kids do what they want. His eyes got so big.
— Robbie Pierce (@Robbiepierce) September 29, 2022

It’s worth wondering: Did God really ‘say so’? Biblical scholars are split on the Bible’s true message around homosexuality. It appears open to interpretation, and it’s clear that many people choose to interpret the words in a hateful and negative way, going so far as to show their children that it’s OK to approach and confront gay people over their identities.

Addressing complex issues like religion and sexuality with a young child, who’s a stranger, is a tricky needle to thread, so Pierce admits he had some reservations about his response. But he stands by his decision.

“I’m sorry but if you teach your kids to hate I’m going to teach them to disobey you,” he wrote on X.

I'm sorry but if you teach your kids to hate I'm going to teach them to disobey you.
— Robbie Pierce (@Robbiepierce) September 29, 2022

As someone who has been harassed by religious, homophobic people in the past, Pierce took the opportunity to help steer a young child away from hatred. At the age of 7, most children believe whatever their parents tell them. However, Pierce planted a seed in the child’s mind that may one day encourage him to challenge his indoctrination when he gets older. The kid will likely remember that interaction for many years to come, and may look back at it with shame one day. That shame could be the much-needed catalyst for change.

“I was shocked at first and then…well…you may have planted a seed to grow a fine human out of the little homophobic bigot he was being trained up as. I can’t argue with that,” one user wrote on X.

The vast majority of commenters on X agreed with Pierce’s response to the child’s comment.

But what Robbie said wasn't exactly wrong? And if you're going to hell anyway, why not say it lol.
— Sir David Lee ? (@davidleedesign) September 30, 2022

Good on you Robbie!
I can’t stop laughing when I think of the conversation that kid is going to have at bedtime tonight.
— Miggie (@Miggie07758273) September 30, 2022

pic.twitter.com/TmGwohZERg
— TCastillo✊?✊? (@lombcast) September 29, 2022

However, some people thought Pierce’s response to the child was inappropriate.

Bigoted words or not, it was still a child, and many people thought there may have been a more tactful way to teach the kid a lesson rather than invalidating his entire faith. Or perhaps Pierce could have tracked down the boy’s parents and given them an earful instead.

maybe because the conversation was with a 7yo child? Are we going to victimize ourselves to THAT degree?

This wasn't an admirable way to handle this situation.

My personal beliefs don't have anything to do with it. I believe God is Love and I love all the gays. I love children.
— PoplarTree (@PoplarTree20) September 30, 2022

That was quite wrong of you to do to a kid.
You had a chance to enlighten a child. You could have told him that gay people are just like everyone else and should be respected. Instead you threw his mind into darkness and chaos. You made a bad situation worse.
— The Ghost of CJ. (@CarlaJM) September 30, 2022

I’ll take: you are telling the truth and you took the time to own a seven year old kid to make yourself feel better. Very big of you. Or. You are making things up again. Either way, probably not something to hold as a moment of righteousness. Be better.
— Jett Breffery (@emolawncare) September 30, 2022

One thing is clear: Something in our culture is definitely broken when we’re more intent on policing people’s responses to bigotry and hate versus addressing the root cause of these divides. The boy’s parents should be the one on trial in the court of public opinion for teaching their son that this kind of behavior is acceptable.

No matter how one feels about Pierce’s reaction, what’s clear is that there is something very inappropriate about a 7-year-old child openly harassing LGBTQ families. The unfortunate problem is that this type of hyper-religious upbringing can cause lasting emotional and psychological trauma to a child. And it’s a common problem. A recent study in the growing field of religious trauma found that 1 in 3 Americans suffer from trauma related to religion at some point in their life.

While we might be quick to dismiss the child’s behavior as innocent or simply as a symptom of growing up in a religious household, the more we learn about religious trauma, the more these children appear to be the victims of abuse. Hopefully Pierce’s words will help the boy rethink his relationship with his faith, and his parents, down the road.

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

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Leslie Harter-Berg’s late husband left behind a bucket list. – Photo credit: Leslie Harter-Berg/TikTok (used with permission)

Family, Modern Families

Widow trying to keep husband’s memory alive for their kids strikes gold by finding his bucket list

The children were 3 and 1 when he passed away.

Tod Perry

4/2/2026
Leslie Harter-Berg from Vancouver, Washington, lost her husband, Ryan, in 2019 when he died suddenly after an aneurysm and stroke. The couple was in Palm Springs, California after visiting Disneyland with their two sons, Wit (then 3) and Rory (1), when he passed away. “So I flew back from Cali as a single mom, solo business owner and widow, a term I thought only applied to old ladies,” she told Newsweek.

In 2022, she found love again with a new man, Sol, and in 2023, they had a son, Rhys. “I feel very blessed and lucky that I was able to find love twice,” she told People. “I can only imagine Ryan telling me not to waste this one life I get.”

The perfect way to celebrate her husband’s life with her children

But she still wanted her two oldest sons to understand the amazing man their father was and to experience him in some way. So, every year on his birthday, they would do something Ryan loved, such as watching a classic film or playing with LEGO.

In 2021, while going through Ryan’s belongings, she found a bucket list he had written in a high school journal. It paints a vivid picture of a young man’s hopes and core beliefs about family, friendship, and adventure. Since the bucket list was discovered, they have done something on it every year on Ryan’s birthday. Here’s the list:

@leslieharterberg
#griefjourney #grieftok
♬ Remember Me (Lullaby) – Gael García Bernal & Gabriella Flores & Libertad García Fonzi
1. make a list of things to do before I die
2. Make an independent film
3. go on a road trip
4. get a 4.00 GPA
5. Go skydiving
6. have a band (good)
7. play in a concert
8. Get married
9. have kids
10. stage dive
11. make a website
12. bungie jump
13. take piano lessons
14. learn to ride a unicycle
15. live in a mansion
16. play chess in a park
17. Read the whole bible 5X + ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
18. go surfing
19. learn to draw japanimation
20. go jetskiing
21. go snowmobiling
22. drag race in a car
23. invent something
24. run in a marathon
25. Be the best man at a wedding
26. go to a public facility dressed as a pirate
27. go to an art museum and appreciate
28. ride in a taxi
29. Build a 3 foot card tower
30. live a riteous life
31. learn to spell
32. own a nice computer
33. own a comfy couch
One year, the family accomplished #26 in his life by dressing up as pirates and going out in public, and #16 by playing chess in a park. April 2, 2026 will mark the fifth year that the family has been checking things off his list.

“My kids look forward to it every year!” she told Newsweek. “Especially as they get older and closer to the age Ryan was when he made it, I think it’s meaningful to get a glimpse into who their dad was.”

@leslieharterberg
When my husband died, my kids were 3 and 1. Raising kids while we’re navigating the grief of this wild world is no joke. #griefjourney #grief #parenting
♬ original sound – Leslie Harter-Berg

“He lives on in his quirky little list”

So far, the kids’ favorite activity on the list has been one of the most challenging.

“My kids’ favorite was probably building the three-foot-high card tower, which proved almost impossible,” she told Upworthy. “One of my friends was determined, and it took about three hours to finally get the cards to stay in place. We threw a big party and ate Ryan’s favorite snacks.”

After more than six million people saw her TikTok post about the bucket list, many contacted her to help her family complete it. One said they’d let them borrow their mansion to cross off #15.

“Someone on Lake Michigan said he’d be in Japan and my kids and I could experience mansion life to cross off Ryan’s ‘live in a mansion’ bucket list item,” she said. “Tempting, but we opted not to take him up on it. It has been so sweet to see how the Internet has rallied to want me to help complete it. A web design firm reached out, offering to build a website, another item on his list. Many people in the comments said they’d want to check off Ryan’s items too, which means so much. He lives on in his quirky little list.”

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To learn more about how she worked to overcome her grief, check out her new memoir, You’re So Strong: On Grief and Letting Go of My Favorite Compliment.
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A dad admirably handled a "work emergency" without interrupting his family’s Disney vacation. – Photo credit: themouselets/TikTok

Dads, Family

Woman catches her dad dealing with a ‘work emergency’ at Disney World, and people are showing respect

“Someone’s gotta pay for y’all’s vacation”

Evan Porter

4/2/2026

A vacation to Disney World is still considered the gold standard by many when it comes to family getaways. It has everything from good food to thrill rides, childhood nostalgia, and more.

But all that joy and magic sometimes come at a cost. Not just the financial price tag, but also the hard work it takes to afford those tickets and arrange the trip—work that doesn’t necessarily end when you step foot inside the parks. One family learned this lesson the hard way, firsthand.

The Mouselets are three siblings who’ve teamed up, using their shared love of all things Disney, to run social media accounts and podcasts where they share their favorite tips and secrets about the parks.

Recently, they arranged to take their parents to Disney World, and the excitement was palpable:

@themouselets
the Mouselet fam is going back to Disney in May with a stay at the Grand Floridian!! (we’re renting points with @David’s Vacation Club Rentals ) #disneyvacation #disneyworld #grandfloridian #disneyparks
♬ Blame It On the Boogie (John Luongo Disco Mix) – The Jacksons

Day at Disney World doesn’t go as planned

But the trip quickly went off the rails when their dad had to deal with a “work emergency.”

One of the siblings captured a hilarious video of their dad taking an urgent, serious call…while aboard the Magic Carpet ride.

“My dad might be the only person in the world to take a work call WHILE RIDING THE MAGIC CARPETS,” they wrote in the caption.

@themouselets
literally on a business call ON A MAGIC CARPET #disneydad #disneyworld #disneyparks #disneyfamily #disneyplus
♬ original sound – DisneyWorldTom

Unfortunately, the work didn’t end there for their poor dad. In other clips shared by The Mouselets, he’s forced to whip out his laptop at lunch, tap away at his phone while waiting for a show to begin, and even take another urgent call while dressed in full Mike Wazowski garb, of Monsters, Inc. fame.

Their dad even brought an entire multi-monitor setup to their room at the Grand Floridian Resort to bang out a few spreadsheets (or something like that).

The siblings edited it all into a brilliant, horror movie–inspired supercut:

@themouselets
why does every single dad at disney have a work emergency like WHY #disneyworld #disneyfamily #disneyparks #disneyplus #disneycast
♬ オリジナル楽曲 – 🔵けちゃん🎠❤️‍🔥8/22生誕祭🎂🥂✨🔵 – けちゃん🎠❤️‍🔥

Video draws a huge response

Even though they have well over a million followers on social media, The Mouselets could never have predicted how popular the video of their dad would become. To date, it’s received nearly five million views on TikTok and Instagram.

Overwhelmingly, people are showing respect for their dad’s hustle:

“Someone’s gotta pay for y’all’s vacation”

“Taking the call is what pays for those trips.”

“Disney doesn’t pay for its self”

“I respect this man. The family appreciates his hard work.”

In another post, The Mouselets clarified that they were the ones who arranged and paid for the trip, not their dad. Still, the video serves as a bittersweet reminder of what it must have taken to bring three kids to Disney World and instill in them a lifelong love—one that would later inspire them to start a business like The Mouselets.

Put another way, their dad knew he had work to do but simply couldn’t pass up the chance to spend time with his kids. So, like many parents, he decided to “do it all.”

“Work-life balance” and vacation, or time off, have become messy concepts

Gen Zers are pushing back hard against hustle culture, but a lot of modern companies still expect employees to go the extra mile, work well beyond 40 hours per week, and stay digitally connected even during personal and vacation time.

There’s something sad about watching Papa Mouselet miss out on what should be quality time, but apparently he’s not the only one. Commenters chimed in with their own “life goes on, even at Disney” moments:

“me taking my college exam while in line for guardians”

“i was in a meeting on the skyliner”

“I have a park photo from the ride of my husband taking a work call on Haunted Mansion. Dad had to pay for the next Disney trip somehow”

“Have done a full on Zoom on people mover”

“I had a job interview on the dumbo flying elephants”

“He’s not [alone], my husband does this too”

Disney magic is powerful stuff, but it doesn’t come out of nowhere. The hard work and planning it takes often go unseen and unnoticed. Other times, unfortunately, the work refuses to wait until you get home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great trip.

It all worked out for the whole family

As for Mr. Mouselet, viewers were relieved to know he did, in fact, have a wonderful vacation—once he’d handled his business, that is.

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And not only that, but their dad now has a legion of fans who admire his work ethic and devotion to his family. Not a bad vacation, all in all.

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Josue Carrizosa tells his dad Junior a story. – Photo credit: Junior Carrizosa/TikTok

Family, Kids

A 13-year-old shares how he bravely protected a girl for being mocked for having her period

“We need more boys like this in the world.”

Cecily Knobler

4/1/2026

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear black Savage jackets. And some aren’t even 14 yet. Such is the case for Josue Carrizosa, who shared a piece of his day with his dad, Junior. His simple act of kindness brought Junior (and many others on social media) to tears.

In a now-viral clip posted on TikTok, Josue sits on a carpeted floor and casually tells his father about something that happened at school that day. “A girl had her period mid-class, and she was wearing khaki pants. So it was showing right here.” (He shows on his thigh where menstrual blood might have appeared.)

@juniorcarrizosa
I’m so proud of my 3 kids. They amaze me everyday ! They are a reflection of me #proudfather #myoldest he set a great example without being asked to !
♬ original sound – Junior Carrizosa

Empathy at a young age

He continues, “And when she got up to walk to the nurse, everyone was laughing at her. But me and my friends, we were the nice ones. And I gave her my jacket…the Savage one? I gave her that one because it’s black, so you can’t see it.”

Josue pantomimes wrapping a jacket around his waist to represent what his young female friend might have needed at the time.

Junior asks, “Did she ask you for it?” Josue confirms she didn’t. “No, I just said ‘Here. Use my jacket.’ And then me and my friend took her to the nurse. And we got signatures for it.”

“Do you know the girl?” “No,” Josue answers matter-of-factly, as he gets up and moves over to a desk area. Junior lets him know he’s proud: “That was nice of you!”

Josue Carrizosa. Photo credit: TikTok

“Aligned with kindness”

A young boy showing such profound, unprompted empathy is truly resonating with the online community. The clip has garnered more than 2.1 million likes and 61,000 comments from people sharing how impressed they are. (Many even want to put together a wish list of gifts to send Josue for his lovely good deed.) One commenter beautifully writes, in part, “He’s already aligned with kindness.”

Another makes a checklist: “He knows about periods. He has empathy. He did something to help. He was comfortable telling his dad about it. Someone is raising a good man.”

A self-described “girl mom” was extra impressed, writing, “As a girl mom, you don’t even understand how comforting this is.”

This TikToker says what many are thinking: “We need more boys like this in the world.”

@juniorcarrizosa
♬ original sound – Junior Carrizosa

Junior shares their story

Upworthy had the honor of speaking with Junior, who shared that Josue has always exemplified this level of empathy. “When he was little, he came home one Christmas week and asked me for wrapping paper. He wanted to wrap his old toys for kids that didn’t have anything. His idea.”

And this has become a pattern. “He has shown empathy in the past from giving to the homeless. And when we collected old pillows and blankets to pass out to the less fortunate.”

Although Junior isn’t sure whether Josue and the girl stayed friends, he said his son has “a lot of friends because he’s the smallest in his class, but is one of the coolest, nicest souls.”

When asked where that empathy might have come from, at least in part, Junior spoke with pride, saying, “He learned empathy from me because I have taught them to donate to the homeless since they were little.”

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A dad plays with his young daughter – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Parenting

Parents are sick and tired of explaining why they ‘never want to bring the kids over’ for a visit

Our kids are probably going to hurt your house and themselves.

Evan Porter

Upworthy Staff

4/1/2026

It’s a good news/bad news situation for parents of young kids. The good news? Everyone wants to spend time with the kids! Grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends. They all want a relationship and lots of special moments with the little ones. It’s why people assume if you have family nearby that you’re “so lucky,” and that you’re overrun with free babysitting offers. Ha! If only.

The bad news comes down to one phrase: “When are you bringing them over?” Parents have been frustrated by the expectations of orchestrating stressful visits for generations — loading the kids in a car or on an airplane only to spend hours chasing them around in an un-baby-proofed environment and watching routines go to hell.

Now they’re sounding off on social media and airing their grievances.

Why visiting grandparents and other relatives is so challenging for parents

A mom recently took to Reddit to vent about everyone in her life wanting her to “bring the kids to them.”

“My parents live 30 mins away and always bug me about not coming to visit them,” she writes. They constantly ask, “Why don’t you bring our granddaughter to come see us?”

The post struck a nerve with parents, who chimed in with hundreds of passionate comments. The fascinating discussion highlights a few things that make arranging visits with young kids a potential nightmare for parents.

Grandparents’ houses are rarely childproofed

Grandparents love their breakable decor! Ceramic doo-dads, glass vases everywhere. They can’t get enough. In fact, they like to dedicate massive pieces of furniture only to housing their fine china, which they never use, but which is also extremely valuable and sentimental.

And while they should be able to decorate their house however they see fit (they’ve earned the right!) that doesn’t make it a good environment for toddlers and babies.

Blue and white porcelain vases on a shelf. Phot credit: Canva

“Last week was the last straw, I took my daughter to my parents and of course she went EVERYWHERE! flooded their toilet, broke a vase, and tried multiple times to climb their furniture,” the Reddit mom writes.

Parents in a foreign environment are on constant safety duty and can rarely sit down

Let’s be honest. Sometimes these “visits” are hardly worth the effort. After all, it’s hard to get much catch up time when you’re dutifully chasing your kid around.

“They don’t understand that my 3 yo … is absolutely wild,” writes another user in the thread. “She has no self preservation and nothing we do works. She doesn’t listen, she throws, she bites, she refuses to use the potty. It’s exhausting and then … they expect us to entertain them, when I’m trying to just keep my kid from jumping off the stairs and into an ER visit.”

A visit at the grandparents’ house is often not a fun catch-up time for mom and dad. It’s rare to get to sit down and have an adult conversation when they’re busy trying to play Safety Police. It’s common to leave one of these visits frustrating and like it wasn’t really a visit at all.

Even just putting the kids in the car for a 20-minute drive is more work than it seems

Taking the kids out of the house requires packing a bag, bringing extra clothes, loading up on snacks, etc.

It seems easy to “pop over” but it actually absorbs the majority of the day between prep, visit, and aftermath. In the case of the OP mom and her parents that are “just” 30 minutes away, that’s an entire hour of just driving, not counting any visiting time. If anyone’s ever driven with young kids, you know that’s an eternity! For a drive like that, you need snacks, you need entertainment. You may have to clean up spills, deal with traffic tantrums, or pull over to break up a fight. It’s really a lot of work.

Naps and routines go to hell

Parents with babies and toddlers know all too well — there is a price to pay for taking the kids out of the house for too long.

Chances are, the baby won’t nap in a strange environment and then you’re stuck with a cranky kid the rest of the night. You can and will try, bringing your little pack-and-play and your best intentions, but the process will be draining and probably unsuccessful.

And then guess what? You’re totally screwed when you go home later, yay!

Kids with special needs require even more consistency

Kids with autism or ADHD can really struggle outside of their zone of safety. They might become severely dysregulated, have meltdowns, or engage in dangerous behaviors. This adds even more stress to parents and makes the visits even less fun and satisfying in the end.

Explaining and mediating the generational divide

A man holds his granddaughter. Photo credit: Canva

Why is this a conflict almost all parents can relate to?

Is this a Boomer vs Millennials thing?

Some experts think that generational values and traditions might play a role.

“Many Boomers were accustomed to more traditional, hierarchical family dynamics, where visiting grandparents was a way for the younger generation to show respect,” says Caitlin Slavens, a family psychologist.

But that’s not to say this is a new problem. I can remember my own parents driving me and my brothers over an hour to visit my grandparents seemingly every other weekend, but very few occasions where they came to visit us. It must have driven my parents nuts back then!

Plus, it’s easy to forget that it’s hard for older people to travel, too. They may have their own issues and discomforts when it comes to being away from their home.

“But for today’s parents, balancing careers, kids’ routines, and the demands of modern parenting is a much bigger undertaking. Grandparents might not always see how childproofing their space or making the trip themselves could make a huge difference, especially considering how travel and disruption can impact younger kids’ moods and routines,” Slavens says.

“So yes, this divide often comes down to different expectations and life experiences, with older generations potentially not seeing the daily demands modern families face.”

Is there any hope for parents and grandparents coming to a better understanding, or a compromise?

“First, open conversations help bridge the divide—explain how much of a difference it makes when the kids stay in a familiar space, especially when they’re very young,” suggests Slavens.

“Share practical details about the challenges, like childproofing concerns or travel expenses, to help grandparents see it from a parent’s perspective. You might even work together to figure out solutions, like making adjustments to create a more child-friendly space in their home or agreeing on a shared travel plan.”

Ultimately, it’s a good thing when grandparents, friends, and other relatives want to see the kids. We all have the same goal. Just look at how incredible it can be when everything goes right:

“It’s helpful to approach the topic with empathy, focusing on everyone’s goal: more quality time together that’s enjoyable and low-stress for everyone involved. For parents, it’s about setting boundaries that work, and for grandparents, it’s about recognizing that flexibility can really show the parents that you are … willing to make adjustments for their children and grandchildren.”

Enjoyable, low-stress quality time is something everyone can get behind.

This article was originally posted two years ago. It has been updated.

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A daughter reading to her mom. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Home Life

Mom says changing one communication rule in her home made it more peaceful

“Our home is the dress rehearsal, and the world is the stage.”

Tod Perry

4/1/2026

Some believe responding “What?” when your name is called is rude. Parents are often fond of responding to a child saying “what” with a good old-fashioned “Don’t ‘what’ me.” Others aren’t too bothered by it and think a more polite response is a bit too formal.

Angelica Daniell, 38, currently stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, says teaching her children to respond to their names with “Yes?” has brought more peace to her home. She was raised in a “What?” family, and changing the rule in her home has made a big difference.

Are you in a “what” family or a “yes” family?

“When you guys were growing up, and your parents would call you, and they’d say your name, would you say, ‘What?’ Because I grew up like, ‘what?’ You know?” she began her TikTok video.

@angelica_daniell
#sahmtok #fyp #raisingkids
♬ original sound – Angelica

“Ever since my kids could talk, my husband taught our kids to say ‘yes.’ So if we call Ray, he’d say, ‘Yes.’ And then he needs to come—like, yes, I hear you, but I’m coming. You don’t stay in that place and talk to you from downstairs, and you’re upstairs,” she said. “I don’t know, I just thought that’s such a special and precious thing. And I love when I call my kids, and they say, ‘Yes?’ and they come to me. I can’t tell you what that does for me.”

The big problem people have with using “what” as a response to a family member calling their name is that it makes them sound annoyed. It’s like they mean to ask, “What are you bugging me about?” or “What do you want?” By contrast, saying “yes” signals that you’re welcoming the request or favor and are ready to help.

A mom and daughter doing the dishes. Photo credt: Canva

Not everyone agrees. “I definitely grew up as a ‘what’ type of family. I still don’t see anything wrong with it. I’m not sure why people find it disrespectful,” one person said in the comments.

“My mom always said, ‘Don’t what me,’” another added.

“Even hearing ‘what’ even from other adults.. feels disrespectful,” said another.

The discussion also pointed to a bigger issue. “Genuine question for adults currently in/raised in a ‘what’ household… do y’all answer ‘what’ at work when someone calls you!?” a commenter asked.

Daniell believes that when children are polite in the home, it follows them throughout their lives. “Our home is the dress rehearsal, and the world is the stage,” she told Newsweek. “If our kids say ‘yes’ to us, our hope is they will also say it to their teachers, friends [and] coaches.”

@angelica_daniell
#fyp #sahm #raisingkids
♬ original sound – Angelica

Napoleon Hill, author of the mega-bestseller Think and Grow Rich, believed that it’s important for parents to be polite to their children as well.

“Politeness to others is usually born out of respect for the individual, which you learn as a child,” Hill wrote. “When you are treated with respect by other members of the family, you learn to respect them as well. The self-esteem that results from being recognized as a unique person by the people who matter most to you helps you develop the confidence necessary to succeed later in life. Politeness and consideration for others are habits that—once developed—usually stay with you for a lifetime.”

When people debate whether it’s better to live in a “what” or a “yes” family, it’s important to recognize that manners start at home. Even though the “what” folks may think the “yes” folks are being too formal, the habits formed at home will help define a child’s life in the real world. Finding manners in school or the office is a lot harder when you never had them at home.

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Using car wash supplies to clean a bathroom is genius. – Photo credit: Canva

Family, Home Life

Dad gleefully cleans his family’s bathroom with a car wash sprayer and people are inspired

His use of car-detailing supplies for bathroom cleaning is next-level.

Annie Reneau

3/30/2026

It’s fair to say that most people don’t find great joy in cleaning the bathroom. But after seeing the way dad/”Renaissance man” Sebastian talks about deep-cleaning his family’s bathroom with car-detailing supplies, that could change.

In fact, he doesn’t just talk about it. Videos of him demonstrating how he uses an automatic foam sprayer, brushes, wash mitts, microfiber drying towels, and more have inspired thousands of people to follow in his footsteps. That says a lot. This is bathroom cleaning, after all.

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In Part 1, Sebastian explains that once a month, he deep-cleans the bathroom, starting with dusting and vacuuming. First, he removes everything from the space. Then he uses a Swiffer duster and an industrial air scrubber to suck up all the dust he displaces (not a standard bathroom-cleaning tool, for sure). After dusting, he vacuums. Thoroughly.

Then comes the fun part: the automatic foam sprayer.

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Sebastian mixes Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, isopropyl alcohol (to disinfect), and water in the foam sprayer. Then he hoses down the entire shower, tub, toilet, sinks, and countertop with the foamy mixture, which is oh-so satisfying.

Then he starts scrubbing with car wash brushes. Also so satisfying.

Are you wondering how on Earth he’s possibly going to rinse all of that off? Fear not. He has a system.

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That system includes a spray bottle (with a design that puts all others to shame) and a squeegee. Spraying the foam with water keeps it from drying out and makes it easy to squeegee away. Then he goes in with a big, honking car wash mitt to remove the rest.

The mitt might be the best part, though Sebastian gets particularly excited about the microfiber towel that comes next.

“The best towel ever made,” he says. “It is a microfiber towel made by The Rag Company for the automotive detailing industry. And it is quite literally the most absorbent towel I’ve ever used in my entire life.”

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And he’s still not done. He cleans the remaining surfaces (window sills, tops of lights, top of the door frame, etc.) with castile soap. Then he goes in with sodium percarbonate (an eco-friendly oxygen bleach powder) to clean the sink bowls, toilet, tub, and grout.

Then he rinses it all off with his superabsorbent microfiber towel, and voilà! A sparkly clean bathroom.

People in the comments expressed how impressed and inspired they were by Sebastian’s cleaning regimen:

“Wow. People’s minds are going to be blown. I did not see the squeegee or the puffy glove coming. 👏👏❤️❤️”

“This inspired me to do a much-needed scrub of my own shower last night at 10:30pm, and for that I thank you.”

“It has never occurred to me to clean a bathroom like this but honestly it looks very thorough!!”

“This is SUCHHHHHHH a brilliant and effective way to clean a bathroom! My dad worked at a car wash for years and years and I feel like he would have loved this.”

“Ok, I know the products aren’t sponsored but they should be. I am ready to BUY. This is a masterclass in adulting.”

At viewers’ request, Sebastian and his wife, Lyndsey, created a list of his favorite cleaning products with affiliate links. However, Lyndsey also shared that they are donating all affiliate income to charity.

Who knew bathroom cleaning could be so riveting? You can follow Lyndsey’s Instagram account for more.

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