Happy Wednesday,

I believe that no matter what, after every parent deals with insecurities. I certainly count myself in this camp. The things that are constantly on my mind: am I a good enough dad / partner? Am I doing enough to put us on a path to be comfortable financially? How can I raise my daughter to have a better life than I’ve had? These are thoughts that constantly weigh on me, and I don’t have an answer to them - but I am working on ways in which I can make myself feel better, if only for a moment.

Step one: taking a moment each day to feel a sense of gratitude. I always knew I wanted to be a dad, and I really do feel lucky to have my daughter. Remembering this helps to keep me grounded in some of the chaos being a parent brings.

Step two: finding moments for myself. Typically this is in the form of a walk with my dogs or a bike ride. The outdoors and movement typically helps me clear my head and refresh my perspective.

Step three: an occasional adult beverage.

Now, I’m curious about your experiences. How do you tackle the insecurities that come with parenting? If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear your strategies or any thoughts on parenting. Just hit reply to this email.

Trending Stories & Insights

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• Stanley cup fever: When I was a kid, Nokia phones, tamagotchis and beanie babies were the cool things to have in school. Fast forward to today and kids are either being revered or bullied in school based on whether or not they have a 40oz tumbler. I’m not sure where this phenomenon came from (and I’m all for hydration), but I hope when my daughter is in school, students are simply happy to be there (a man can dream)

• The 5 R’s: A a developmental psychologist and the co-founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center details how to raise resilient kids

Tip of the Day

• Have a sick toddler? A pediatric dietician shares the best foods to feed them. I’m a huge fan of the foods on this list

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One Big Idea

Balancing Screen Time for Better Parenting

In today's digital age, it's no secret that screen time is a point of contention in family life, especially when it comes to raising our kids. But what about parents' screen habits? A recent study reveals a crucial aspect that often goes overlooked: the impact of parents' screen usage on their parenting. As it turns out, using phones or computers to relax in the presence of children is linked to less effective parenting. While not entirely shocking, this conclusion should force us to reconsider our screen habits, not just for our children's sake, but for our own parenting efficacy. If we need a role model on this topic, Jason Kelce recently dove into this topic on his podcast, saying: "I hate when my kid tells me to put down my phone, because it lets me know how bad of a parent I'm being. 'Daddy, put down your phone' — do you know how much that cuts into your soul and lets you know how shitty of a parent you're being?" Enough said.

The study, involving 549 parents, highlighted a concerning trend: parents using screens as a relaxation tool often exhibit poorer parenting behaviors, such as inconsistent rule enforcement and shorter tempers. However, not all screen time is detrimental. For instance, the research does differentiate between types of media usage, noting that using screens for maintaining social connections can actually contribute positively to parenting. It highlights a vital balance: while it’s essential for parents to stay connected and take personal time, this shouldn’t come at the cost of being present and responsive to our children's needs. The key lies in mindful media consumption and setting boundaries, ensuring that our digital habits support, rather than hinder, our parenting journey.

Here’s a dad joke

Did you hear about the cold dinner?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

Time(out) for Memes