Parenting
Iris on parenting · June 19th
storyflo · parenting
Jun 19, 2026 · 4 min listen
Listen · storyflo · parenting
Iris on parenting · June 19th
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One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to nutrition and food is kid’s snacks. Literally 99% of kid snacks out there are junk. It’s so sad. Even the snacks that are marketed as being “healthy” are still filled with refined flour, refined sugar, and inflammatory seed oils. I wanted to round up a few of our favorite kid snacks recently that are actually healthy—no dairy, no artificial colors or flavors, no refined sugar or flour, just whole, real, nutrient-dense foods. HealthyMom Club paid subscribers have access to a bank of 80+ kid lunch ideas (new ones sent out every Sunday!), new monthly
Something’s shifted in parenting recently. I see it as a child therapist and want to scream. There’s this quiet question sitting underneath modern parenting right now, and no one is really saying it out loud… Are we doing too much?? Too much explaining, helping, hovering. Too much stepping in before they struggle. On one hand, we know more than ever before. We understand brain development and care about feelings, and we want to raise emotionally healthy, confident, resilient humans. This matters - so much.
What are you up to this weekend? Twelve-year-old Anton and I are heading to Maine for a couple nights, to take long walks and breathe that fresh ocean air.… Read more The post Have a Lovely (Long) Weekend.
If you love all things bougie but don’t want to splurge, you’re in for a treat. This list is packed with surprisingly luxe products that you’ll use every day — and they start at just $7. From pro-level kitchen tools and genius tech accessories to beauty upgrades and home essentials, these elevated finds look way more expensive than they are and still pack a practical punch. This collapsible hamper is engineered for efficiency in small spaces. It mounts to your wall or door with an adhesive hook, then folds down to about 4 inches when you want your space back.
Pooja Makhijani’s new picture book, *Together for Mama*, is the first traditionally published children’s story that names postpartum depression straight on the page. It follows an older sibling watching a family rally—grandma staying over, dad holding things together—to give kids language for what they’re seeing. The backdrop is the CDC’s estimate that 1 in 8 U.S. mothers experience PPD, a rate that’s risen sharply and often repeats with later pregnancies, so many children grow up with a parent struggling. Makhijani, an Asian‑American mom, also weaves cultural nuance, noting that stigma under‑reports PPD in her community. Her message is simple: let your village notice and show up; the book is a gentle, honest tool for both child and adult.
Ashlee and Katie spend the hour mapping out their most hopeful summer—think screen‑time limits, a reading challenge, and a few playful “rules” they’ll try to keep. They’re honest about the odds: by mid‑July things will probably feel a little chaotic, but the point is they’re giving it a go together.
They share the little rituals that keep them anchored. Ashlee talks about a harvest grain salad, swapping beets for chicken if you prefer, and Katie mentions a favorite gap‑set outfit that feels both comfy and ready for spontaneous outings. It’s less about perfection and more about finding a groove that feels doable.
The episode also drops a snapshot of Katie’s first summer bike ride, a reminder that even a short spin can feel like a tiny victory. Their vibe is that summer isn’t a solo mission—you’re always part of a larger, messy, supportive crowd.
Bottom line: they’re setting modest goals, accepting the inevitable hiccups, and encouraging you to try something small for yourself, whether that’s a reading target, a screen‑time tweak, or just a bike ride. It’s all about showing up, imperfectly, and feeling less alone.
Father’s Day is this Sunday, and you’ve still got time to keep it thoughtful without scrambling. If he says he doesn’t want anything, pick something he’ll actually use—a gadget, grooming kit, garden tool, a good book, or a nice aftershave. Small, fun items like a funny mug, silly socks, or a handmade‑feeling treat work well too, especially under twenty‑five pounds.
If you’d rather spend the day together, think simple activities: a long walk followed by a pub lunch, a backyard BBQ (apron optional), a coastal day trip with fish and chips, or low‑key fun like mini‑golf, bowling, or a cinema visit. Even a quiet morning with no to‑do list can feel just right.
There’s also a giveaway for a seven‑day beach‑club holiday in Greece, Sardinia or Croatia, courtesy of Neilson Holidays. To enter, like the Instagram reel, follow the accounts, and tag someone who deserves a break.
Finally, this week’s chat features Ronni Ancona, who opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, years of masking, and the chaos of parenting. Plus, a shout‑out to Fond, a curated shop in Cheshire that’s put together a special Father’s Day edit of UK‑made gifts you won’t find everywhere. Have a lovely weekend celebrating the dads, grandads, step‑dads, and anyone who quietly holds things together.
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