Happy Monday,

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I’m super excited to welcome two newborns to the world and the Parenthood community. Autumn and Harper, we are already so in love with you!

In the last few weeks of my friends’ pregnancy, I found it funny how deeply involved I felt. Not in the sense that I was involving myself in their birth plan or lives, but more that it simply brought me back to the weeks leading up to the birth of my daughter. The days were long and anxiety filled knowing that at any moment my wife could go into labor - and we tried to help get things moving. I’m not sure if any of it actually did anything, but she did have a cheeseburger with jalapeños a couple of hours before going into labor…so maybe there’s something to the spicy food theory!

Can anyone relate to this? How do you feel when your friends or family are in the final days of their pregnancy?

Loving Parenthood? Be sure to share it with your family, friends, and social network and encourage them to join our community!

One Big Idea

Many American Parents Have No Idea How Their Kids Are Doing in School

In the landscape of American education, a startling disconnect has emerged between parents' perceptions and the academic realities their children face. A staggering 90% of parents believe their children are performing at or above their grade level in reading and math. Yet, data paints a different picture: only 26% of eighth graders are proficient in math and 31% in English. This mismatch is fueled by two primary factors.

First, traditional report cards often blend academic achievement with factors like attendance, effort, and behavior. A child might be diligent in class but still lag behind academically. Second, teachers, often stretched thin and fearing backlash, may not always communicate students' true academic standing. As a result, countless children remain in the shadows, their struggles unnoticed and unaddressed. In a post-COVID-19 educational landscape, where many students are already dealing with learning losses, this gap in understanding is more than just concerning—it's a call to action. Parents and educators must bridge this communication divide, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Takeaway: To address this issue, proactive communication between educators and parents is paramount. Schools can consider adopting clearer grading systems that distinctly separate academic performance from other behavioral metrics. Additionally, regular, transparent updates on a child's academic standing, perhaps through digital platforms or frequent parent-teacher meetings, can demystify the learning journey.

Shout out to our friends at Daysee who are building a platform that empowers teachers, families, and students to connect & thrive by celebrating the day together.

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Tip(s) of the Day

• Pediatrician shares three tips to keep kids healthy as they head back to school

F**k it, here’s a dad joke

When does a joke become a dad joke?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

Time(out) for Memes