If you’re a parent, you’ve probably typed “is my child okay if…” into Google more times than you can count. OnePoll estimates new parents turn to Google around 2,000 times a year for answers.
But sometimes, the best wisdom doesn’t come from search results, it comes from other parents, coaches, and experts who have lived it too. We asked Hearth’s panel of After School experts to share the advice they return to again and again — the kind that helps you breathe a little deeper and trust yourself a little more.
“We all mess up in moments with our kids. They will be okay — and we’re stronger as collaborative caregivers when we empathize and commiserate over hard moments rather than focus on blame.”
— Saachi Dhingra, Co-Founder & CEO of Sachi, a platform that helps educators and families collaborate
”My #1 tip: it’s all a stage. Whatever’s bugging you — picky eating, tough bedtimes — it will pass. Hold the meta-view: next month will look different than now.”
— Emily Greenberg, President & Co-Founder of Joy, a modern parenting club
”Relating to Hearth — invite kids into household tasks early, even if it isn’t perfect. That builds a child who’s happy to help later. In general, it’s not your job to control your toddler (you can’t control another human); it’s your job to guide and influence. Influence grows from connection, and connection leads to cooperation because your child feels seen and heard.”
—Devon Kuntzman, PCC, certified toddler parenting coach
”Be present with your children and catch them being good!”
— Rachael Yates, Ph.D., child and adolescent neuropsychologist
”Let go of the picture-perfect version of parenting you imagined and lean into the beautifully imperfect reality of connection. The most powerful thing we can offer our children is the belief that they are safe and loved even when things feel messy—and we get to offer that belief to ourselves, too.”
—Callie Christensen, Co-Founder/Chief Brand Officer Slumberkins
“Knowing what you ‘should’ do doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to do it. I was a family therapist before I had kids and thought I had it figured out. Having kids taught me we’re all in this together—trying our best and imperfectly growing and learning. I need support, tools, and help just like everyone else.”
—Kelly Oriard, Co-Founder & Chief Therapeutic Officer of Slumberkins
“I wish I’d realized sooner that my kids’ behavior isn’t a reflection of my worth as a mom.”
—Dr. Morgan Cutlip, mental load and emotional labor expert
”Invest in your own emotional regulation before addressing your child’s dysregulation. Staying calm during big reactions is the parenting superpower.”
— Lauren Fouche, executive functioning skills expert
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it does come with a community. Every moment, every stage, and every “what do I do now?” is a chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside your child.
At Hearth, we believe in tools that support that connection — helping families stay organized, communicate clearly, and make space for what matters most.
