Care for the Kids

Kerry Stutzman and Palmer Skudneski

On parenting tweens and teens. And on staying yourself while you do it.

124 articles
What I hope my kids inherit

What I hope my kids inherit

A father reflects on how children absorb everything parents model, the good and the bad, and offers a simple challenge: pick one thing and model it better thi

Big Smile, Arms Open Wide

Big Smile, Arms Open Wide

A Mother's Day reflection on the one thing that matters most: letting your kids know they are your favorite people on the planet, just as Kerry's mom still does

What teenage me would hate for parents to know

What teenage me would hate for parents to know

Palmer comes clean about the 741 times his mom didn't catch him, and explains why parents are usually more in the dark than they think.

Why I Sent My Son to Talk to Strangers

Why I Sent My Son to Talk to Strangers

When 14-year-old Palmer was caught sneaking a beer, Kerry skipped the lecture and sent him to interview strangers instead, an ER doctor, a police officer, and

20 Second Hack to Connect with Your Kid

20 Second Hack to Connect with Your Kid

Palmer shares the research-backed power of a 20-second firm hug and how this simple act of physical connection can anchor your child's nervous system and shift

Essential Conversations

Essential Conversations

Kerry's son Palmer told her he wished his parents had talked more about adult topics growing up, and it sparked a reflection on the conversations parents assum

Giving Your Kid the Gift of Courage
Parenting Skills

Giving Your Kid the Gift of Courage

My one-year-old son James reached his tiny hand toward the moon the other night, fingers wiggling, completely convinced he could grab it. And honestly, I haven't stopped thinking about it since.

Outwitting My Sneaky Teenager (Without Grounding Him)
Parenting Skills

Outwitting My Sneaky Teenager (Without Grounding Him)

My rule-following, straight-A son was lying to my face about sleepovers, and I almost grounded him for a month. Then I thought better of it, and decided to beat him at his own game instead.

I really thought she might die
Parenting Skills

I really thought she might die

Palmer stepped up when a fellow passenger had a seizure mid-flight. Read what happened, and what it taught him about staying calm under pressure.

The Day I Was Glad the Trash Didn’t Get Taken Out
Living with Teens

The Day I Was Glad the Trash Didn’t Get Taken Out

Kerry Stutzman shares a simple 4-question framework to try before reaching for consequences when your teen acts up. Rethink how you respond.

Don’t You Dare Say “Resolution”
Reflections

Don’t You Dare Say “Resolution”

Palmer Skudneski makes the case for ditching resolutions and focusing on what actually shapes how we treat the people around us. Worth a read.

The Superpower I Wish I’d Had as a Mom
Reflections

The Superpower I Wish I’d Had as a Mom

Kerry Stutzman reflects on trying to do it all alone and why asking for help is the superpower she wishes she'd had as a young mom. A relatable read for parents.

A monk ruined the way I eat forever
Reflections

A monk ruined the way I eat forever

Palmer Skudneski traces a Thailand meditation retreat that changed how he understands presence. What does being present actually mean, and how do we escape without noticing?

Family Vision After Divorce: How to Create Stability, Security, and Connection
Living with Teens

Family Vision After Divorce: How to Create Stability, Security, and Connection

Kerry Stutzman and Palmer Skudneski share how a clear family vision after divorce gives kids security, structure, and connection across two homes. Start here.

Keep Kids Talking During Divorce
Living with Teens

Keep Kids Talking During Divorce

Kerry Stutzman shares why staying calm and connected keeps kids talking during divorce. Real strategies for high-stakes moments when communication matters most.

Parental Alienation During Divorce: How We Protect Kids From Being Caught in the Middle
Living with Teens

Parental Alienation During Divorce: How We Protect Kids From Being Caught in the Middle

Kerry Stutzman and Palmer Skudneski explain parental alienation during divorce, why it harms kids, and how parents can stop subtle alienating behaviors before they take hold.

Kids Living in Two Homes After Divorce: How to Help Children Feel Secure and Loved
Living with Teens

Kids Living in Two Homes After Divorce: How to Help Children Feel Secure and Loved

Kids living in two homes after divorce often struggle to feel settled. Kerry Stutzman and Palmer Skudneski share practical ways to help children feel secure and loved.

Kids’ Feelings During Divorce: Seeing Beneath the Surface and Helping Them Heal
Living with Teens

Kids’ Feelings During Divorce: Seeing Beneath the Surface and Helping Them Heal

Kerry Stutzman explains why kids' feelings during divorce run deeper than tears or anger. Learn how to see what your child is really experiencing and help them heal.