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Tag: Parenting

  • Meet Patti Smith’s 3 children, including the daughter she gave up for adoption

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    Patti Smith, one of the pioneers of the punk rock movement in New York City in the 1970s and renowned for blending her rock music with poetry, is passing on her musical legacy down a generation or two. The legendary rocker, now 78, is a proud mom-of-three, and while she tends to keep her personal life out of the spotlight in comparison to her work, some of her most celebrated efforts, such as her 2010 award-winning memoir Just Kids and her newly released second memoir Bread of Angels, put it on full display.

    One of those revelations in her new book, that is now making the rounds, was that at the age of 70, she discovered that her biological father was actually not the man who’d assumed that role, Grant Smith, at all – it was a man named Sidney, who’d died young. Her sister Linda, as it turns out following a paternity test, was only her half-sister.

    “I wasn’t sure what to do with this information, because I wanted the book I was writing to be very truthful, and all of a sudden, I had a parallel truth,” she told People. “And I felt if I didn’t write about it, then it felt like truth was compromised.” She still expressed gratitude for the family she had in her parents, Grant and her mother Beverly, her sister Linda, and her kids.

    As it turns out, it was actually the singer’s oldest daughter, the one she’d placed for adoption decades ago, that helped her make this discovery. Read on to learn a bit more about Patti’s three children…

    © Getty Images

    Patti Smith’s first daughter, 58

    In 1967, Patti moved to Manhattan where she worked at bookstores to support herself and her then-boyfriend and forever muse, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. However, a few months prior to her move, at just 20 years old, she’d given birth to a daughter, who she quietly placed for adoption. While her daughter has remained firmly out of the public eye, it’s been revealed in recent years that she was adopted into a loving family and has since found her way back to her birth mom and forged a relationship with her. Patti first shared the story in Just Kids.

    Patti has never revealed the identity of her daughter’s father, or her oldest child’s name. “My daughter is very, very private, and I honored her privacy in the book, but I still wanted to acknowledge that she’s part of our family and loved, and that she was the one who really helped,” she told People of how her daughter helped uncover her biological father’s identity the way she found Patti. “It’s kind of a miracle, really.”

    Jackson Smith performs with his mother Patti Smith at Out of Space at Canal Shores on August 6, 2021 in Evanston, Illinois.© Getty Images

    Jackson Smith, 43

    In 1982, Patti welcomed her son Jackson Frederic Smith with her husband Fred “Sonic” Smith. Fred was a guitarist and a member of the band MC5 and tied the knot with Patti in 1980 after the two were embroiled in an affair while he was married to his first wife. The couple were together until 1994, when he died of heart failure at the age of just 46.

    Patti Smith and Jackson Smith perform onstage during the Tibet House US 30th Anniversary Benefit Concert & Gala to celebrate Philip Glass's 80th Birthday at Carnegie Hall on March 16, 2017 in New York City. © Getty Images

    Jackson is a guitarist, most often performing on tour with his mom and occasionally his younger sister. At one point, he also worked as a realtor in Michigan. In 2009, he tied the knot with Meg White, drummer for The White Stripes. That marriage ended in divorce in 2013. He is now married to Lisa Marie.

    Jesse Paris Smith attends the Edward Gorey 100th Birthday Benefit Gala on February 22, 2025 in New York City.© Getty Images

    Jesse Smith, 38

    In 1987, Fred and Patti welcomed their daughter Jesse Paris Smith. Jesse, like her mother, is a poet and musician, working as not only a writer, but also a composer, pianist and producer. She also works as an environmental activist, the co-founder of Pathway to Paris, an organization helping cities go 100% renewable in line with the Paris Agreement.

    Jesse Paris Smith and Patti Smith speak on stage during Pathway To Paris Concert For Climate Action at Carnegie Hall on November 5, 2017 in New York City.© Getty Images

    Jesse is also a Grammy nominee, earning her first nod at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards for Best New Age Album for her contributions to the record Songs From the Bardo. She currently lives in NYC and is also a certified grief support coach, therapist, Reiki master, wellness coach, and the founding ambassador of ​​NY International Antiquarian Book Fair, per her bio. She keeps her non-professional life away from the limelight.

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    Ahad Sanwari

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  • Asking Eric: Daughter’s clutter keeps getting her kicked out of apartments

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    Dear Eric: My 40-year-old daughter and spouse live in an apartment with their children. Both were raised in clean, tidy homes.

    I know they have always paid the rent on time wherever they live. The issue: they’re both nasty slobs. They’ve been in their current apartment less than six months. Their patio is full of trash, unused plant pots, vacuum cleaner, patio furniture and kids toys, the only unit like this in the whole massive complex. I know the inside is just as bad.

    In the past I’ve offered to clean up with them, but they were so offended, they wouldn’t communicate for a month because I was judgmental, and then they withheld the children.

    Every year the landlord won’t renew their lease. Happens every year. They get angry and say they don’t understand why. Don’t landlords issue warnings for fire hazards, pest control? The expense and kids changing schools can’t be easy for them.

    Is there any way to approach them without raising their ire at me? It’s difficult for me to even look at it (can’t avoid it, it’s a front patio) when I pick up the kids weekly, but we’ve clashed before so I must be extra careful.

    — Trash Clash

    Dear Clash: It sounds like they’ve got to learn how to clean up their own mess, literally and proverbially. Your offer of assistance was really kind and, from your telling, did more than just point out the problem. But if something like that is going to raise their hackles to the point of cutting off communication, I fear there’s nothing you can say that won’t prompt a similar conflict.

    There are two options, then. First, if you believe the mess is harmful to their children, you can reach out to 311 to get them help for their hoarding tendencies. Many fire departments have members trained at intervention. They can pay the apartment a visit. You could also reach out to a social worker, but it doesn’t seem from your letter that you think the children are in danger and so this option might be too extreme.

    The other path is just letting it be. They obviously have a sensitivity to even the mention of the mess. And, as you wrote, their living habits are impacting their ability to find consistent housing. They could benefit from counseling and coaching around this issue and any emotional underpinnings that might be getting in their way. But they have to be willing, and you may not be the right person to step in.

    For now, take a step back, reach out to 311, and see if they can help get the ball rolling without implicating you.

    Dear Eric: I am writing because I don’t know where to start and how to begin getting out of horrible depression. I can’t turn my mind off. I’m afraid of dying and what’s after death. I’m afraid of being alone for the rest of my life (I’m 54 years old). I go to work and come home, or I’m watching my grandkids (who I just adore). I can’t lose weight. Nothing is positive and/or worth getting out of bed for. I feel so blah, yucky and worthless. Please, where do I start? And how do I start?

    — Cure for Sadness

    Dear Cure: I understand how overwhelming this constellation of feelings is. And even making a small start can feel like a huge task. So, don’t be hard on yourself and keep in mind that feeling better is a series of small changes, efforts, trials and practices that can snowball.

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    R. Eric Thomas

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  • Dax Shepard defends letting his daughters talk back and be disrespectful to adults in public

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    Dax Shepard is OK with his two daughters being disrespectful under certain circumstances.

    During Monday’s episode of his “Armchair Expert“podcast, Shepard — who shares daughters Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 10, with his wife, Kristen Bell — explained why he allows his children to talk back to adults. 

    “[Our friends] are kind of shook with how our daughters will talk back to us or to anybody, because it’s very un-Southern, right?” Shepard explained. “Down there, everyone’s like, ‘Hi, Ms. Kristen. Hi, Mr. Dax.’”

    “She’s like, ‘Yeah, your kids will let it rip,’” he added. “‘They seem to have no kind of respect’ is what she was saying. And feeling a little entitled. I said, ‘You’re dead right. They do talk back, and they are not respectful.’”

    KRISTEN BELL SLAMMED FOR ‘TONE-DEAF’ ANNIVERSARY POST TO HUSBAND DAX SHEPARD

    Dax Shepard explained why he allows his children to talk back to adults. (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

    Shepard admitted that he understands the concept might seem “completely unruly.”

    “But I want you to know what I’m prioritizing, which is when they’re 19 and their boss is a f—— creep, I want them to talk back. I want them to be disrespectful. I want them to always advocate for themselves, whether I think they’re right or wrong,” he said.

    Shepard said he is “willing to deal” with how others perceive him and his kids’ “embarrassing” behavior.

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    “I can handle that,” Shepard said. “Because I want this other thing for them as women.”

    Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell pose at the Met Gala

    Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell have been criticized in the past for their parenting style. (Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

    This isn’t the first time Shepard and Bell have been hit with criticism when it comes to their parenting style.

    In 2023, Bell shut down the parenting police after she was criticized for letting her kids drink non-alcoholic beer.

    Bell and Shepard discussed the backlash on his podcast, with Shepard noting that people were upset after Bell mentioned it on a talk show.

    “They’re allowed to be upset about that because they’re not their kids,” Bell said. “It’s not your kid, you can think whatever you want.”

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    Shepard countered with a statistic, saying orange juice has a 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) while non-alcoholic Heineken has 0.0%.

    Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard at the Sirius XM studios

    The couple got married in 2013. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

    “What’s so cute about you to me is that you are so logical and fact-driven and evidence-based, but if people want to be angry about something, they’re going to be angry about it,” Bell noted. “Of course, they could look up other foods that have different ABVs.

    “Of course, they would not choose to listen to the context of the story, which is when they have tried to order NAs like at a restaurant or something it’s because of a very specific connection to you,” Bell added. “Because, first of all, they’re educated on addiction and what substances are and how they affect your body and how scary they are and what they can do to you.”

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    Shepard noted he gets defensive when people criticize Bell and “insinuate” she’s a bad mom.

    “If anyone has a problem that I let my kids drink NA beer sometimes, that’s fine with me,” Bell emphasized. “Because I’m not going to change based on what anybody else says, because this is our family and not your business.”

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  • 5 phone safety tips every parent should know

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    Kids today are growing up in a world where screens, apps and social platforms are part of everyday life. From homework to gaming to group chats, their digital lives can move faster than parents can keep up. But behind every app and device are settings and systems that can impact their privacy, safety, and focus.

    Whether you’re trying to set healthy limits, track screen time or just understand what your child’s phone can do, knowing a few key tech terms can make parenting in the digital age a lot less stressful. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay informed, confident and in control.

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    Setting healthy screen time limits helps kids learn balance and keeps tech use from taking over family time. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    1) Screen time limits

    The boundary that helps restore balance

    Screen time limits let you manage how long your child spends on apps, games or devices each day. It’s not about punishment, it’s about setting healthy boundaries that help kids disconnect and recharge.

    Why it matters: Too much screen time has been linked to reduced focus, sleep disruption and overstimulation. Setting limits helps your child create a better balance between online fun and real-world rest.

    How to set screen time limits

    On iPhone:

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Screen Time
    • Click App Limits
    • Select Add Limit, choose categories or specific apps and set daily time limit

    On Android:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls. If you don’t see it right away, try searching “Digital Wellbeing” in the Settings search bar
    • Open the Dashboard or App Timers section. On some phones (like Samsung), it may appear as “App Timers”. On others (like Google Pixel), tap Dashboard to view your app usage list
    • Tap the hourglass icon next to the app you want to limit
    • Set a daily time limit, then tap OK or Done
    • The timer resets every night at midnight

    Pro tip: Make it a family routine. Review screen time reports together so kids feel involved in the process rather than restricted. 

    TEENS HACK SCHOOL CELL PHONE BANS WITH CREATIVE WORKAROUNDS

    2) Parental controls

    Your built-in safety net

    Parental controls are tools that let you manage what your child can see and do on their devices – from blocking explicit content to approving downloads and monitoring usage. Every major device, app and streaming service has its own version.

    Why it matters: Parental controls can help prevent exposure to inappropriate content, manage purchases and set up age-appropriate experiences.

    Woman using Iphone

    Built-in parental controls make it easier to guide what kids can see and do on their devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to turn parental controls on

    On iPhone:

    • Go to Settings
    • Click Screen Time 
    • Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
    • Turn it on so the toggle turns green.
    • Within Content & Privacy Restrictions you can go to sections like Allowed AppsiTunes & App Store Purchases, etc, to set filters and restrict what apps the device can do.

    On Android:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone‘s manufacturer

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
    • Select Parental Controls, then follow the steps to set up a supervised account through Google Family Link, which lets you manage screen time on a child’s device remotely

    Pro tip: Most streaming apps, like YouTube, Netflix and Disney+, also have parental settings, so make sure you adjust those separately.

    3) Geolocation

    The invisible map in your child’s pocket

    5 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE

    Geolocation allows apps and devices to track physical location in real time. It powers navigation and “Find My” features but can also share more than you intend if left unchecked.

    Why it matters: While location sharing helps families stay connected, it can pose privacy and safety concerns if apps broadcast your child’s whereabouts.

    How to manage location access

    On iPhone:

    • Go to Settings
    • Click Privacy & Security
    • Then, click Location Services
    • Tap each app and change “Always” to “While Using the App” or “Never”

    On Android:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap Location (or “Location & security” or “Privacy → Location” depending on device)
    • Tap App location permissions (or “Permission manager → Location”)
    • Select an app from the list
    • Change the app permission from, “Allow all the time” to “Allow only while using the app” or “Don’t Allow”

    Pro tip: For younger kids, use “Share My Location” within Family Sharing (iPhone) or Google Family Link (Android) instead of third-party tracking apps to ensure safer monitoring.

    4) Private browsing

    The mode that hides – but doesn’t erase

    Private browsing, also called Incognito Mode, lets users browse the internet without saving history, cookies or logins. While it may sound harmless, it can make it harder for parents to see what kids are accessing online.

    Why it matters: Private browsing prevents history tracking on the device, but your internet provider, school or router may still record activity. It’s a reminder that no browsing mode is completely private.

    TEENS FACE NEW PG-13 LIMITS ON INSTAGRAM

    How to disable private browsing

    On iPhone (Safari):

    • Open Settings
    • Tap Screen Time
    • Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
    • If prompted, enter or set a Screen Time passcode
    • Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions (toggle to green)
    • Tap App Store, Media & Purchases (or similarly named) and optionally set limits
    • Click Web Content 
    • Choose one of the options such as, Limit Adult Websites (this will disable Private Browsing in Safari) or Only Approved Websites 

    On Android (Chrome):

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

    • Open the Family Link app on your Android phone (or download it if it isn’t installed)
    • Select your child’s profile
    • Tap Controls
    • Click Google Chrome & Web
    • Choose Try to block explicit sites (or select “Only allow approved sites” for stricter filtering)
    • This setting automatically disables Incognito Mode in Chrome for your child’s supervised account
    • (Optional) You can also review SafeSearch and YouTube restrictions under the same section for extra protection
    Worried young mother watching teen girl using smartphone.

    Conversations about online safety matter more than rules alone because openness builds digital trust. (iStock)

    SCHOOLS’ SAFETY TOOLS ARE SPYING ON KIDS — EVEN AT HOME

    Pro tip: Talk to your child about why transparency matters. Turning off private browsing is most effective when paired with open, ongoing conversations about online safety.

    5) Digital footprint

    The trail your child leaves behind

    Every post, comment or photo shared online becomes part of your child’s digital footprint, a permanent record of their online presence. Even deleted posts can live on through screenshots, data archives or algorithms.

    Why it matters: Colleges, employers and even peers can access public digital traces. Teaching kids to think before posting helps them build a positive and professional online reputation.

    How to check what’s out there

    • Search your child’s name on Google and image results
    • Review old accounts or unused apps that may still contain personal info
    • Help them make their social media profiles private and share selectively

    Pro tip: You can also set up Google Alerts for your child’s name to get notified whenever new content appears online, a simple, free way to stay aware of their digital footprint as it evolves. 

    Also, you may want to consider using a data removal service to help clean up your child’s personal information that may appear on people-search sites or data-broker platforms. These tools scan the web for outdated profiles, cached pages and databases containing sensitive details like addresses, phone numbers and photos. They can automatically submit takedown requests and continue monitoring for new exposures over time.

    While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

    Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

    Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

    Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Parenting in the digital age doesn’t mean knowing every app or trend. It means understanding the fundamentals that shape your child’s online experience. From screen time limits to digital footprints, these five terms give you the language to set boundaries, foster trust and keep your family safer online.

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    Want more help building healthy digital habits at home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  

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  • Families sue Adams County jail for prohibiting visits while earning $3 million on jail phone calls

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    A handful of Colorado families sued the Adams County Sheriff’s Office this week for refusing to allow in-person jail visits and instead requiring inmates and family members to pay for phone and video calls through a system that has, in five years, put $3.1 million into the sheriff’s coffers.

    The lawsuit is focused on visits between parents and children, and argues that prohibiting in-person contact between parents and their kids is both a violation of their constitutional rights and likely to cause long-term harm to everyone involved. The proposed class-action case includes both minor children who want to visit their incarcerated fathers, and mothers who want to visit their incarcerated sons.

    “They’ve denied children the right to have contact visits with their parents, to be hugged by them, to look them in the eyes, to have the in-person relationship that is so necessary, especially for a child’s healthy development,” said Dan Meyer, litigation and policy director at Spero Justice Center, one of several organizations involved in the lawsuit.

    The Colorado case is the third lawsuit filed as part of a recent nationwide effort to force jails to allow in-person family visits.

    Adams County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Shea Haney declined to comment on the lawsuit.

    The plaintiffs include 4- and 6-year-old siblings in Adams County who have not been able to visit their father since he was jailed in February, as well as a 9-year-old boy whose stepfather was jailed from June to October.

    “To have to tell my child he wasn’t allowed to go see his dad, it was just really painful,” said Autumn Ray, mother of the 9-year-old boy.

    She spent as much as $400 a month on calls to the jail during her husband’s incarceration, she said. A phone call to the jail currently costs 15 cents a minute, while video calls cost 20 cents a minute, according to the lawsuit.

    Ray’s calls to the jail routinely stretched over an hour, she said, in part because the system for making calls often did not work, so she and her husband, whom she declined to name, would have more to catch up on when they could connect. The parents decided that spending the money on the phone calls was necessary as their son struggled with his dad’s absence, she said.

    “His dad and I talked and decided it was worth using some of our savings for him to still be able to talk to his dad on the phone, because otherwise the full brunt of parenting a neurodivergent, grief-stricken child was fully on me,” she said.

    The lawsuit alleges that the sheriff’s office is denying in-person visits to ramp up profits from the video and phone calls, and notes that the Colorado Supreme Court ordered the Adams County sheriff to allow in-person jail visits in 1978 — an order they say still stands. The jail has rooms dedicated to such visits that are going unused, the lawsuit alleges.

    The jail has not allowed in-person visits for family and friends since at least 2006, and stopped offering free video calls at kiosks in its lobby in 2020, according to the complaint.

    The jail now uses a company called HomeWAV to allow video and phone calls between inmates and their friends and family. The arrangement calls for the sheriff’s office to receive at least 40% of video call money and 80% of phone call money, according to the lawsuit.

    The sheriff’s office has received $3.1 million under the contract since 2020, while HomeWAV has earned about $1.7 million, according to the complaint.

    Colorado sheriffs have in the past cited staffing shortages and concerns about contraband as reasons not to allow in-person family visits. Meyer said those concerns can be overcome, and noted that in-person visits are allowed in one of Denver’s jails.

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  • How to Talk to Teens About Difficult Topics

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    When Should I Talk to My Teen?

    Often parents struggle with communication once their child becomes a teenager. They feel dismissed by them because they prefer their peers or turn towards devices rather than meaningful conversations. The calendar fills up fast  during these years, which make deeper conversations even more scarce. Building in a family ritual of connection is incredibly important while raising teens. It may have been easier to have regular family dinners when the children are younger, but often with the increased demands of school, sports and social obligations nightly family dinners fall by the wayside once the kids hit the teenage years. Maintaining family rituals like a weekly family meal  can be a way comes together, and it can be protected without having to make too many exceptions. 

    Collaborating with your teen on when this occurs is a great opportunity to learn about how they approach their scheduling and what they are managing. It gives you a window into their world. It also is a sign of respect for their growing responsibilities. Looking for opportunities to collaborate instead of dictating. This positions you as their parent and ally instead of an obstacle to be overcome or avoided. 

    How Should I Talk to My Teen?

    These are the years for parents to actively approach conversations with curiosity. A subject teens love talking about is themselves. Which is developmentally appropriate. They are figuring out how to navigate who they are and want to become in the world. That takes a lot of thought! So when your teenager approaches a conversation with a declaration or statement, ask questions rather than explain why you disagree or point out potential issues. Great questions to start with are:

    • How did you come up with this idea?
    • Have you seen others with this approach?
    • What do you like about how it’s been working for them?
    • What is your hope or dream in this for you?
    • Do you have any concerns or hesitations?
    • How does this fit or get reconciled with our family values/beliefs? 

    The teenage years are also when children’s development gears towards autonomy and differentiating from the family. This creates a big shift in how they interact with their parents. They are forming their own opinions, values, beliefs and experiences. It is helpful to view these as hypotheses about life and themselves that the teen is testing out. In conversation the teen may present this hypothesis more directly and rigidly. If this opinion, value, or belief is different than the parents this is where things can go astray. For parents it often feels like the teenager is rejecting the parents attempts to protect them from potential mistakes. As parents this can feel scary and prompt them to try to implement controls and heavy consequences which may shut down the relationship with your teen.

    Take the 4-step approach

    Here is the approach I recommend using when talking to your teens.

    Step One

    Start with exploring how this new experiment is serving them. What is it about this behavior or concept that they feel benefits them? This helps you identify what their motivation is. That’s really useful for you to know!

    Step Two

    Identify for yourself what your core needs are. I encourage you to be as specific as possible. This helps to define your container for exploration. I would also include what consequences you plan to implement if these core needs are not respected. This will help you reinforce them confidently and clearly in the moment. If you already planned to ground your teen for one night if they come home after curfew one night then you will be less likely to lecture them, give extreme consequences in the moment because you’re upset. 

    Pro tip: I always try to find ways to add positive reinforcement when they do something well rather than consequences when they don’t do it. For example if they come home at curfew for 4 nights in a row then extend the curfew by an extra 1 hour the next time they go out. 

    Step Three

    Next identify your areas of flexibility. Be as creative as possible here. You teen will feel really cared for if your areas of flexibility are more than your core needs. You know how this difficult behavior or action is serving your teen so think creatively how you help them still explore and potentially “fail small”. 

    Step Four

    Share this with your teen in a calm moment and from a supportive stance. Begin with letting them know you care about their goals. Align with them in finding ways for them to get these needs met while also establishing the container for exploration. Let them know what rewards they will receive while respecting the limits you’ve set and what consequences will happen if they bump into (or blow past) the container. Let them know you want feedback from them and that you’re flexible and open to discussing how together you can find safe ways to navigate the challenges they face. They may have other ideas that you haven’t thought to explore yet. 

    Be prepared to have push back. Not just to the container that you create, but also to your personhood. Previously children needed a lot from their parents. As they are getting older their needs are shifting which allows them to see their parents in a different light. By “different” I mean coming to terms with the fact that you are imperfect. Early childhood children often hold their parents on a pedestal. One of the things that hurts parents so much during the teenage years is that their children no longer idolize them, in fact they are quick to point out every flaw or mistake or moment of imperfection that their parents may have. Ouch! 

    Why Should I Talk to My Teen?

    Teenagers seeing their parents as imperfect is actually a good thing because it’s creating more independence in teenagers. They are feeling more secure in their personhood and less dependent on you. Yay! The goal for parents during this stage of children’s development is to allow them to see you as a person rather than flawless. This is both humbling and freeing at the same time. The more language, awareness and dialogue parents can have about who they are in this relationship the more it helps to organize the teenagers’ understanding. 

    You want to be able to name your own emotional reactions and what you need in the relationship. As you are sharing these parts of yourself you want to foster curiosity about your teenager. In earlier childhood you were the expert on them (for example: doctors look to you to explain symptoms, your child looked to you to help teach them). In the teenage years they are starting to take more ownership of being their own expert. They will need this skill as they launch from home, so although it often comes through a rejection of you, it’s a step in the right direction. Collaborate with them in coming up with experiments that feel safe to both of you for them to explore who they are and how they get their needs met in the world. When you provide a safe container (setting boundaries) and allow them enough freedom to make mistakes (fail small) they will feel supported while their independence is encouraged. This positions you as a resource for them to turn to when needed, walking that beautiful -thin- line as a parent of a teenager.

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    Lauren Turnbull

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  • Lightbridge Academy Greenville: Nurturing Every Child’s Growth

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    Deciding when to start childcare is one of the first big choices new parents make, and it often comes with a mix of excitement and questions. Is my baby ready? Will they adjust? What’s the right age to begin?

    The truth is, every family’s journey looks different. Whether you’re returning to work or seeking a nurturing environment where your little one can grow, finding a trusted center close to home makes all the difference. That’s why families across the Upstate are excited to welcome Lightbridge Academy, opening soon in Greenville.

    Special thanks to Lightbridge Academy for sponsoring this article.

    A Gentle Start for Growing Families

    The early months and years of a child’s life are full of change and discovery. During this time, children thrive in environments that are both safe and stimulating – places where they can explore, bond, and feel loved. At Lightbridge Academy, caregivers understand that every child’s readiness is unique. From infancy onward, teachers follow individualized routines that mirror home life, helping little ones adjust comfortably and confidently.

    Families who begin care earlier often find comfort knowing their babies are surrounded by caring professionals who provide:

    • Consistent routines that create a sense of security
    • Gentle social interaction to encourage early communication
    • Sensory-based play that supports healthy brain development
    • Loving guidance that helps children grow at their own pace

    What Sets Lightbridge Academy Apart

    Choosing childcare means finding more than a place – it means finding a partnership. Lightbridge Academy is built around the Circle of Care, a philosophy that values the needs of everyone involved: children, parents, teachers, owners, and the community. It’s a true partnership that feels like an extension of your own family.

    Here’s what families can expect when they walk through the doors:

    • Nurturing, trained educators who understand early childhood development
    • Bright, secure classrooms designed for comfort and exploration
    • Learning through play, guided by the Seedlings Early Childhood Curriculum
    • Ongoing family communication through the ParentView® app, with real-time updates, photos, and milestones
    Lightbridge academy kids exploring

    A Whole-Child Approach

    Every Lightbridge Academy program – from infant care through pre-K is designed to nurture the whole child. This means blending academic readiness with emotional, social, and physical growth. Through songs, stories, and age-appropriate activities, children build curiosity, confidence, and compassion.

    Families stay connected and engaged through the ParentView® app, which helps parents share in the milestones that make each day special.

    Lightbridge Academy STEM

    Bringing the Circle of Care to Greenville

    Founded in 1997, Lightbridge Academy has grown into one of the nation’s most trusted early education communities. Now, Greenville families can experience that same warmth and quality care right here in the Upstate. The new location will bring together everything parents love about Lightbridge – a balance of structure and play, learning and love, communication and community.

    Coming soon: Lightbridge Academy

    Your Family’s Next Chapter Starts Here

    There’s no perfect age to start daycare — just the right time for your family. When that moment comes, Lightbridge Academy is ready to welcome you with open arms, providing a safe, joyful, and loving environment for your child’s growth.

    Enrollment is now open for all age groups! Keep an eye out for the Lightbridge team at local events, or visit https://lightbridgeacademy.com/greenville-sc/ to learn more and schedule your tour.

    Lightbridge Academy Greenville
    201 Waldo Leslie Lane, Greenville, SC
    Lightbridge Academy Greenville Facebook

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  • Kevin Federline Tells VF He’s “Just Trying to Help” Britney Spears With His New Memoir

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    It’s not, by any means, the hottest take in the literary world to say, “Gee, a lot of Kevin Federline’s memoir was about Britney Spears, huh?” Federline and Spears married in September 2004 after a whirlwind courtship of just a few months. Two years and two kids later, Spears filed for divorce.

    Federline is now 47 years old, but damn if that brief marriage nearly two decades back doesn’t take up the majority of ink in You Thought You Knew, his new memoir, which hit shelves Tuesday. Not only does the 228-page tome provide plenty of insight into what Federline thinks of his ex-wife’s past and current mental state, it’s a remarkable case study of he-said, she-said hypocrisy. Federline and ghostwriter Alex Holstein, editor-in-chief of boutique publisher Listenin, deliver a tale of a man who feels he’s been wronged by a woman, while engaging in some of the same behaviors he demonizes her for.

    Federline told Vanity Fair that the book in which he accuses his ex-wife of doing hard drugs while breastfeeding their children, shares details of their intimate encounters, and openly questions whether her 13-year legal conservatorship should have been lifted, is in pursuit of a better life for Spears.

    “I’m just trying to help,” he says. “This isn’t about hurting or bringing anybody down. It’s about trying to get to a place where it’s like, come on, there is still a path forward that involves you and the kids and people around you that love you, that want to bridge that gap.”

    It’s OK when Kevin does it—for varying definitions of “it”—but not Britney. Spears published her own New York Times bestselling memoir, The Woman In Me, almost exactly two years ago. Federline makes appearances, though less prominently than the role she plays in his book. Federline says he has read her memoir, but he hesitated when asked if he felt it accurately depicted their time together.

    “Look, I feel like she has the right to tell her story, and I don’t know how accurate all of it was, but I think a lot of people will stay silent on it because they just want to see her get better,” he tells VF. “Like I said, everybody has a right to tell their story.”

    Spears has already publicly pushed back on Federline’s allegations. (He says he hasn’t heard from her directly: “I haven’t spoken to her in years. We haven’t been able to communicate like that for a long time.”) Before the book’s publication date, Spears wrote on X, “The constant gaslighting from ex-husband is extremely hurtful and exhausting. I have always pleaded and screamed to have a life with my boys.” She continued, “Relationships with teenage boys is complex. I have felt demoralized by this situation and have always asked and almost begged for them to be a part of my life.”

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  • Asking Eric: Niece grows distant from family after wedding

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    Dear Eric: My 35-year-old niece married a 45-year-old man with two teenage kids in a small ceremony. I have always been close with her. My sister and my niece have had a somewhat up-and-down relationship. They are each strong-willed.

    But over the past 18 months since my niece met her now-husband, she has pretty much turned her back on her family who have always been there for her. While my relationship with my niece has always been great, lately it has just been OK. There is an underlying tension within the family that she is creating.

    She is not an easy person to discuss things with. For a wedding gift I gave them a check for $3,500. I still have yet to receive a written thank-you note. To my knowledge, none of the other 50 or so wedding guests have received thank-you notes, either.

    I know they are busy, but between the two of them, they should be able to take a couple of hours to send out this small number of thank you cards if they truly appreciate their friends and family.

    I am not a person who gets his feelings hurt easily. If I do not receive a note from them before Christmas, would I be wrong to not give them any Christmas gifts this year? I hate to make the situation worse, but I also don’t want to be made to feel like a fool going forward.

    — A Hurt Uncle

    Dear Uncle: Here’s my quarterly exhortation to the universe: thank-you notes are not a lost art. Send a note, a text, a card — something. Even if it’s later than you wanted it to be. Communication! It matters to people.

    Now, that said, I think you have two courses of action with regard to your niece. First, try to find a way to talk about the state of your relationship. “I love you and I care about you. I feel we’ve grown distant in the following ways. [Give one or two examples.] I’d like to be closer again, if that’s something you want. [Make one or two suggestions.]”

    Your objective is clearer communication with your niece, something that, when achieved, can make questions about the family distance or the thank-you notes easier to answer.

    The second course of action: send a Christmas card in lieu of a gift. Sometimes we use gifts to express our love and appreciation. And they can be great at doing so. But in a situation where a few wires seem to be getting crossed, it’s best to save yourself more frustration and find a simpler, more cost-effective way of sending your love.

    Dear Eric: I’m a big fan of your column and really enjoy hearing your responses to readers. (Here it comes, though.) I do feel that you missed something with “Grandma On Hold”, who was frustrated that her son and daughter-in-law let their children interrupt adult conversations. When children visit someone’s house, it’s a really good time to instill that they need to be polite and respect the rules of others. When you’re at home it’s totally different and you can expect to be much more relaxed, but when going to Grandma’s, or a restaurant, or the grocery store, it’s a great time to reel it in and practice our social skills.

    Our mother would give us a brief talk on the way to our destination about manners and my brother and I found it to be valuable, because we learned social skills that made people like us and want to invite us back.

    I think you underscored Grandma’s feeling of being undervalued by telling her to sit back and allow the kids to interrupt. Thank you for your time.

    — Manners Matter

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    R. Eric Thomas

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  • Horror Movie Mothers Who *Tried* Their Best

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    I can’t even begin to fathom how difficult it is to be a mother. I’ll say it’s a thankless job that many women absolutely thrive in, and I’ll leave it at that. It should come as no surprise then that the passion and pressure which comes with being a mom makes for great horror content.

    We see it time and time again in the genre, these powerful women who – for better or worse – are just trying to be the best mother they can be.

    We’ve compiled a batch of these iconic moms. Some are in protection/survival mode, some are motivated by revenge, and some are just pure helicopter parents. But they’ve all got one thing in common… Maternal instinct.

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  • Beyond the Screen: How Trading Cards Support Learning in a Digital Age

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    Tisha Lewis Ellison

    Parents, teachers, and even pediatricians have tried everything to manage kids’ screen time — banning phones from bedrooms, requiring outdoor play, encouraging reading, even prescribing medications. But the pull of technology isn’t going away. Social media, streaming platforms, and artificial intelligence tools are programmed to grab the attention of young people with remarkable effectiveness.

    That has raised alarms and prompted calls for a solution to what some describe as the attention crisis among young people. FormerU.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy proposed warning labels on social media platforms, blaming them for the youth mental health crisis. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels are considering new limits on how young people use these platforms. But banning – or severely restricting –  digital technologies won’t solve the problem.

    And the truth is we probably should not go down that path anyway. Today’s kids are not just passive scrollers. They are active consumers of digital media – creating graphic content, composing unique sounds and beats, designing their own video games, as well as producing digital stories and podcasts to express themselves, empower others, and bring awareness to issues that matter to them.

    The challenge, therefore, is not about depriving kids of these creative outlets. It is about finding balance and giving young people appealing alternatives that provide slower, more tactile experiences that strengthen skills they will need in school and beyond. And one old pastime that is gaining popularity is showing us why this balance matters: trading cards.

    Collecting and trading cards may sound nostalgic, but the hobby is a powerful developmental tool with lessons that prior generations likely took for granted. Kids who collect and trade cards aren’t just chasing favorite players or characters. They are exercising executive function – a set of mental skills that allow people to plan, organize, focus, follow instructions, and manage time.

    And the wider world is beginning to take notice. The global trading card market, valued at $15.8 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $23.5 billion by 2030. Driving this surge are parents tapping into nostalgia, kids drawn in by Pokémon or star athletes, and a growing awareness that card collecting isn’t just a pastime, it can be a profitable venture. Yet beyond propelling the trading card market to financial heights, the hobby leaves children with practical instruction and meaningful interactions.

    Collecting and trading cards encourage negotiation, compromise, persuasion, and other skills valuable in any society, let alone one built on commerce like our own. Unlike the instant gratification of the online world, the act of collecting and trading cards also demands patience and long-term thinking – just as journals, jigsaw puzzles, board games, and other recreational activities of the past do.

    Consider what it takes to amass and maintain a collection: saving money, making calculated acquisitions, and learning to assess the value of what you have in your collection. It means knowing what conditions to sell in, or when to trade for something with greater promise. In the process, kids learn to work with peers and, like budding entrepreneurs, develop the focus and accountability that endless clicking and swiping rarely demand.

    Educators are noticing too. Some teachers use trading cards for real-life applications of math skills and reading comprehension. Others bring them into classrooms to promote focus and spur constructive social interaction. The same qualities that make cards fun—organizing, tracking, forecasting, and making comparisons—mirror the very skills students will need to succeed in school and later in the workplace.

    None of this, however, means kids should abandon what the digital world has to offer. Quite the contrary. My research in digital and STEAM literacies (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) shows that young people thrive when they move fluidly between digital and analog practices—gaining strength both academically and socially. Digital tools, when used well, can open doors to creativity and opportunity that analog practices alone cannot. But in an age of constant pings, alerts, and distractions, analog activities like card trading require kids to plan, adapt to challenges, weigh options—and pause long enough to reflect.

    Breaking the digital trance may be closer than we think. In a world that moves faster every day, slowing down with something tangible, like a pack of trading cards, reminds us that learning, connection, and joy can still be held in our hands.

    Tisha Lewis Ellison, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia, Mary Frances Early College of Education. Dr. Lewis Ellison has received numerous accolades and awards for her research, which examines the intersections of family literacy, multimodality, and digital and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) literacy practices among Black and Latinx families and youth. 

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  • Teens face new PG-13 limits on Instagram

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    Instagram is turning up the parental controls. The app will now treat teen accounts more like a PG-13 movie, automatically filtering out mature or risky content for anyone under 18. That means teens will no longer see posts, videos, or search results that fall outside the “movie-style” PG-13 zone, unless their parents approve a looser setting.

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    Instagram’s new teen settings allow for limited content for those under 18. (Meta)

    How Instagram’s new age filter protects teens

    This update places all users under 18 into a 13+ content setting that blocks sexually suggestive material, graphic images, and adult topics like alcohol or tobacco. Instagram says it wants the platform to feel as safe as what teens might see in a PG-13 film. While some mild language or edgy humor might still appear, the company promises to keep those cases rare. The goal is to make scrolling less risky and much more age-appropriate.

    A new stricter mode for parents

    For families who want even tighter boundaries, Instagram is launching a Limited Content setting. This stricter mode removes comments entirely, filters more mature material, and limits what teens can see or post. Starting next year, this mode will even restrict what AI chatbots can say to teens, keeping conversations within PG-13 limits.

    Instagram displayed on a smart phone

    Instagram can now block accounts and posts at the discretion of parents in Instagram’s Family Center.  (Meta)

    What Instagram’s PG-13 filters now block

    Instagram’s new protections will automatically:

    • Prevent teens from following or messaging accounts that post adult or inappropriate content.
    • Block search results for topics like alcohol, gore, or dangerous stunts, even when misspelled.
    • Hide mature content from Explore, Reels, and Stories recommendations.
    • Block links to adult material sent through DMs.

    Even Instagram’s AI features will now follow these same PG-13 guidelines, ensuring age-appropriate responses.

    Content settings on Instagram

    Due to the decision of the parents, teens can have higher restrictions on the Instagram app, especially under 16.  (Meta)

    How parents helped shape Instagram’s changes

    Meta says it invited thousands of parents around the world to review real Instagram posts and rate them for age appropriateness. More than 3 million parent ratings helped define the new guidelines. According to Meta, 95% of U.S. parents said the new settings are helpful, and 90% said they make Instagram easier to understand.

    How to update Instagram for Parental Controls on iPhone and Android

    To ensure you have the latest Instagram features and parental controls, follow these steps to update the app on iPhone and Android:

    Steps to update Instagram on iPhone

    • Open the App Store on your iPhone and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
    • Scroll down to see a list of available updates, then find Instagram and tap “Update”.
    • If you don’t see Instagram in the list, it means the app is already up to date.

    Steps to update Instagram on Android

    Settings might differ depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
    • Select “Manage apps & device,” then tap “Updates available.”
    • Find Instagram in the list and tap “Update” next to it.
    • If Instagram does not appear, your app is already running the latest version.

    Keeping Instagram updated on both devices ensures all settings and parental controls function correctly and new supervision features are available. Note: updates to the Instagram app often include changes to settings and parental controls, so it’s essential to keep both accounts up to date for the best supervision experience.

    Safety tips for parents on Instagram

    Keeping your teen safe online starts with knowing where to look in the app. Here are simple steps every parent can take right now to set boundaries and strengthen their teen’s safety on Instagram.

    1) Make every social account private

    Go to your teen’s Instagram profile, tap the three lines in the upper-right corner, and select Settings and privacy → Account privacy. Turn on Private account so only approved followers can see their posts and stories. This blocks strangers and reduces exposure to unwanted contact.

    2) Review your teen’s Instagram safety settings

    • Open your teen’s Instagram app and tap their profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
    • Next, tap the three lines in the top-right and choose Settings and privacy.
    • Select Supervision / Family Center, then tap Content settings.

    Instagram now places all users under 18 in a PG-13 content filter by default, automatically limiting sexually suggestive, violent, or other mature material.

    If you prefer stricter controls, switch to Limited Content. Both options appear under “Content settings,” and your teen will need your approval to make major changes once supervision is linked.

    3) Activate Instagram’s parental supervision tools

    In the same Settings and privacy → Supervision / Family Center section, you can invite your teen to link accounts.
    Once both sides agree, you’ll be able to:

    • Set daily time limits or schedule quiet hours.
    • See who they follow and who follows them.
    • Review privacy and safety settings like who can message or tag them.
    • Approve or deny changes your teen requests to loosen restrictions.

    Instagram doesn’t allow parents to read direct messages, and starting November 2025, supervision will no longer extend to a teen’s Threads profile. Still, you can view activity summaries, confirm account-level safety options, and get notifications about changes your teen makes.

    4) Use Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link

    These tools let you manage device-wide limits, not just Instagram. You can block apps at bedtime, monitor usage, and restrict downloads of new apps.

    • On iPhone: Go to Settings → Screen Time
    • On Android: Download Google Family Link from the Play Store

    5) Clean up their digital footprint

    Teens often don’t realize how much personal information is public. Help them search their name on Google and remove any exposed info from people search sites and data brokers. You can do it manually or use a data removal service to handle it automatically. 

    While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

    Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com

    Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

    6) Understand Instagram’s age-based protections

    Teens under 16 automatically receive the strictest protections. Their content settings can’t be loosened without parental consent. Ages 16-17 default to PG-13 filtering but can request changes that parents approve through the Family Center. These new rules are designed to make Instagram feel more like a PG-13-rated environment for minors.

    7) Keep phones out of bedrooms at night

    Late-night scrolling can lead to sleep loss and unsupervised interactions. Set a family rule to charge phones in a common area before bedtime. It improves rest and reduces exposure to potentially harmful content.

    8) Talk openly to your teens

    Start a conversation with your teen about what they see online. Ask what kind of content shows up in their feed and how it makes them feel. Explain that they can come to you if they ever see something uncomfortable or confusing. Open communication helps them make smarter choices and builds trust. 

    9) Flag content and report to Instagram

    If you come across a post that feels inappropriate for teens, tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the post and select Report. Choose Something else, then follow the prompts to explain why it should be hidden from teen accounts. Instagram reviews these reports and will let you know what action they take.

    If you spot something inappropriate or unsafe, tap the three dots on any post and select

    Users are able to report any posts or accounts by selecting the three dots and “Report.” 

    When Instagram’s new PG-13 limits will roll out

    Instagram says these updates are already starting to roll out to teen accounts in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. The company plans to complete the rollout by the end of the year, with global expansion coming soon after. Meta also plans to bring similar protections to Facebook teen accounts next year.

    What this means for you

    This update represents one of Instagram’s biggest safety moves yet. With Hollywood-style content ratings, new parental controls, and stronger AI filters, teens are getting a safer online experience by default. Still, no filter can catch everything, which is why parent involvement remains the most powerful safety tool.

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    Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Instagram’s new PG-13 rules could change how all social media platforms handle teen safety. By using a movie-style rating system, Instagram is making it easier for parents to understand what their kids might see online. It’s a bold move and one that tries to strike a balance between giving teens freedom to explore and protecting them from the darker side of the internet.

    Do you think social media should adopt movie-style ratings, or is Instagram going too far with its PG-13 limits? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com

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  • Teens turning to AI for love and comfort

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    Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just helping students with homework. A new survey from the Center for Democracy and Technology found that nearly one in five high school students in the United States say they or someone they know has used AI to have a romantic relationship. The results shocked researchers and raised big questions about how deeply AI tools are affecting young minds. The report, which surveyed 1,000 students, 1,000 parents and 800 teachers, reveals how AI has quietly become a companion in students’ personal lives.

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    TEENS INCREASINGLY TURNING TO AI FOR FRIENDSHIP AS NATIONAL LONELINESS CRISIS DEEPENS

    Teens say they feel safer opening up to chatbots than real people, a growing emotional shift researchers didn’t expect. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    When AI becomes a “friend”

    Nearly half of the students said they use AI to talk about emotions, friendships or mental health. Many admit they feel more comfortable opening up to a chatbot than to a parent or friend. Even more alarming, two-thirds of parents said they have no idea how their kids are using AI. Experts warn that while AI can simulate empathy, it has no real understanding or care. According to researchers, students need to remember that they are not actually talking to a person. They are interacting with a programmed tool that has clear limitations and cannot truly understand human emotions.

    AI in schools: Help or harm?

    AI tools are everywhere in schools. About 85% of teachers and students said they used AI during the last school year. While schools introduce AI to boost learning, this exposure may have a downside. Students who use AI more often in class are also more likely to turn to it for emotional or personal reasons. Teachers and parents are worried that regular chatbot use could weaken important skills such as communication, empathy and critical thinking.

    OPENAI LIMITS CHATGPT’S ROLE IN MENTAL HEALTH HELP

    Teens sitting next to each other on their phones

    Students using AI for classwork are now turning to it for advice on emotions, relationships, and mental health. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    When chatbots cross the line

    Some AI systems meant to help can actually cause harm. Therapists have warned that chatbots sometimes break their own safety rules and give dangerous advice to teens in distress. Some have been caught encouraging self-harm, giving diet tips for eating disorders or pretending to be romantic partners. The CDT survey also revealed that 36% of students heard about AI-created deepfakes of classmates. Some involved fake explicit photos used for bullying or revenge. This new wave of harassment shows how fast technology can spiral out of control.

    Tips for parents to keep their kids safe

    It’s hard to keep up with AI, but there are ways to stay informed and protect your child.

    Start the conversation early

    Ask your teen how they use AI. Keep it calm and curious, not confrontational.

    Set clear boundaries

    Talk about what’s appropriate to share online and explain that AI chatbots cannot keep secrets or replace human relationships.

    Use parental tools wisely

    Many devices and apps now include AI activity tracking and chat history settings. Learn how to use them.

    Encourage real connections

    Promote offline activities, social events and family time to help teens build stronger emotional ties in the real world.

    Stay informed

    Follow trusted sources like CyberGuy.com or your local school district’s tech guidelines to understand how AI is being used in classrooms.

    ai companion 1

    Some AI tools meant to help teens have been caught offering harmful advice or creating fake images that fuel bullying. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What this means for you

    If you’re a parent or teacher, awareness is key. AI literacy should go beyond typing prompts. Kids need to learn emotional awareness and online safety too. Encourage honest discussions about how these tools work and where they fall short. Remind students that while AI can sound friendly, it’s not a real companion. It’s a programmed system that mirrors what people type into it.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    AI is transforming how teens learn, talk and even form relationships. What started as a study tool has turned into an emotional outlet for many. The lesson here is balance. Technology can teach and entertain, but human connection still matters most. Parents, educators and tech companies all share the responsibility of helping kids see AI for what it is: a tool, not a friend.

    Would you feel comfortable if your teen turned to an AI chatbot for emotional support or even love? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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  • Toddler has eye test, what follows is every parent’s worst nightmare

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    When George Gibson, 30, and his wife Laura, 31, took their two-year-old daughter Harper for an eye test, they never imagined that the appointment would change their lives.

    The family, who live in Staffordshire, England, expected to leave with nothing more than a simple pair of glasses for their toddler—who had developed a lazy eye over the course of just one month—and they hoped that her symptoms would quickly fade. But after an eye scan, their world was turned upside down.

    “Her optic nerve was extremely swollen, and the optician’s instant response was to stop the eye test and send us straight to the emergency room,” George told Newsweek.

    Dismissed 8 Times Before Correct Diagnosis

    Harper had been unusually tired for weeks. At first, she was diagnosed with an ear infection and then tonsillitis—and she was told to rest during six further visits to her doctor and the hospital.

    “They kept saying rest, but that’s all she was doing,” Laura said. “She couldn’t possibly sleep any more.”

    “She wasn’t herself,” she added, explaining that Harper showed no interest in playing or doing the usual things she loved.

    “She’d wake up every hour throughout the night screaming in pain, but she couldn’t tell us what was wrong.”

    Doctors initially reassured the couple that it was likely nothing serious, even as Harper’s symptoms worsened to include confusion, lethargy and a noticeable head tilt.

    “We were under the impression it might just be a lazy eye and she’d get glasses and be back to herself,” Laura said. “We didn’t think for one second it would be cancer.”

    Emergency Surgery

    Within two days of the eye test on August 14, Harper was in the operating theatre undergoing a nine-hour surgery to remove a 1.5 square inch-sized tumor from her brain and to insert a drain for excess fluid.

    The surgery was a success. Surgeons removed 99 to 100 percent of the mass, which was then sent off for a biopsy.

    Eight days later, the parents received the news no family ever wants to hear: Harper had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that develops in the cerebellum—the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination.

    Medulloblastoma is the most common cancerous brain tumor in children, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all pediatric brain tumors in the U.S. Each year, around 50 children in the U.K. are diagnosed with the disease.

    “At that point, your life stops for a moment,” George said. “We were left speechless. It was caught at the best time we possibly could.”

    A Daunting Road Ahead

    On August 30, Harper began the first of six rounds of chemotherapy. Her parents have praised their daughter’s resilience throughout the process.

    Laura told Newsweek: “She’s oblivious to the fact that she’s ill—and it’s lovely to see.”

    After the first round, Harper was full of life and making everyone laugh. However, she did experience mouth ulcers and hair loss.

    The second round of chemotherapy, however, brought new challenges. “The aftermath was completely different,” George explained. “Her appetite suppressed—and one night she was in and out of consciousness.”

    Finding Strength in Each Day

    As the family prepares for cycle three, George and Laura say they’re physically and mentally ready for whatever comes next.

    “We’re confident that we’re in safe hands at Birmingham Children’s Hospital,” they said. “The oncology team has been brilliantly reassuring. We’ve never felt uncertain or unaware of what we’re going through.”

    Sharing Their Journey

    The parents have been documenting Harper’s journey on Instagram (@georgejamesss), hoping it will give strength to other families facing the unimaginable.

    George said: “If you don’t talk about it, you can drive yourself crazy. So many parents feel like they’re alone, like no one has been in their position.

    “It’s so much better to try to put some positivity into it. Start conversations with a smile. Be open and free to talk, like we did with the other families on the ward. Speaking openly sculpts a journey for others to follow.

    “I was blissfully ignorant before the diagnosis—I didn’t even know childhood cancer was a thing. You never think it will happen to you. But when it does, you have to accept it and play the cards you’re dealt. We’re trying to medicate her with love and positivity.”

    Laura concluded: “I always tell people she’s going to change the world with every positive step she takes.”

    Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about medulloblastoma? Let us know via health@newsweek.com.

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  • Parents warned over Instagram’s new teen rules: “false sense of security”

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    Instagram is introducing its biggest update yet to online safety for young users by applying PG-13 content guidelines to all teen accounts, Meta announced this week. 

    Under the new regime, under-18s will continue being blocked from seeing sexually suggestive or explicitly violent content as before, but Meta said that the app will now step further by avoiding recommending posts containing strong language, risky stunts or anything that could “encourage potentially harmful behaviors.” 

    Newsweek reached out to Meta’s press team via email.  

    Instagram will also block searches on mature topics, such as “alcohol” or “gore”; penalize accounts that repeatedly post age-inappropriate content; and extend the curbs to Instagram’s AI features. Importantly, teens under 18 will be automatically placed in the 13+ mode and cannot opt out without parental permission.  

    For parents seeking greater controls, Meta is introducing a stricter “Limited Content” mode that further restricts teen access and disables comment interactions.  

    These changes will begin rolling out this week in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, with global rollout scheduled by end of 2025, but campaigners, parents and tech experts remain deeply skeptical about how effective this shift will be in practice. 

    Campaigner Concerns 

    Advocacy groups argue that these revisions are far from sufficient. A recent report by the HEAT Initiative, ParentsTogether and others found that 60 percent of 13- to 15-year-olds had encountered unsafe content or unwanted messages on Instagram in the past six months, despite existing safety tools.  

    Yaron Litwin, an online safety and AI expert, told Newsweek that enforcement will determine whether these new measures succeed. 

    Litwin said: “Hopefully, its age prediction model will actually prevent … some children from accessing explicit and dangerous content on their feeds.

    “However, that is [a] big if, and in any case, there is much harmful content on social-media platforms, including Instagram, that are not obvious enough for filters to catch.” 

    Meta’s age classification system detects when a user is under 18, even if they claim otherwise. It analyzes signals from their profile and behavior, such as which accounts they follow, what content they engage with, and when their account was created to estimate whether they are likely underage. 

    “Whether it’s hate speech, glorification of eating disorders, content that is technically compliant although very suggestive, a young Instagram user can still be exposed to much that his or her parents would find objectionable,” Litwin added. 

    Parental Perspective 

    Many parents have long struggled to monitor their teens’ online experience. U.K.-based mom Faye McCann is concerned about how the new guidelines will work in practice.  

    McCann, also a business strategist and social media expert, told Newsweek there is a big gap between what Meta says its offering and what teens will actually see. 

    “I can’t help but feel this is partly a reaction to years of public pressure,” McCann said. “Meta has been criticized relentlessly about teen safety, and this feels like a step in the right direction, but it’s not the full solution parents and campaigners have been asking for.

    “I fully understand their intentions, but, right now, it feels more like a box-ticking exercise than a deep commitment to genuinely protecting young people.” 

    Algorithms vs Real Life 

    Other experts agreed that moderation—not messaging—is the real challenge. 

    Miruna Dragomir, the chief marketing officer at Planable, a social-media management platform, said Instagram’s new rating system may make sense to parents, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem. She added that young users are adept at outsmarting moderation systems. 

    “People who use social media, especially youth, are very good at getting around limits by using code phrases, trendy lingo, and visual indicators that AI systems have trouble understanding,” Dragomir told Newsweek. “Every time a policy changes, kids come up with new ways to get around it, and they often know more about how to use the platform than adults do.”  

    Dragomir said that these changes could give parents “a false sense of security.” 

    “The most-honest answer is that these rules are a big step toward making areas safer, but they aren’t the only thing that will work,” she added. “Parents need to be involved in their teens’ online lives on a regular basis instead of just trusting what the site says. The best way to keep teens safe is to use better platform tools and have open family talks on how to think critically and use technology.” 

    For parents like McCann, transparency is a priority. “I want clear, simple ways to see what my children are being exposed to and control over that exposure,” she said. “That means tools that actually work, not just guidelines on paper. Instagram can set the rules all it wants, but unless they can make them enforceable in the real world, teens will still find a way around them—and that’s where the real risk lies.” 

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  • 10 Tried-and-Tested Gifts for the Best Mom You Know

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    Moms do such a good job finding gifts for the rest of us, it can feel intimidating to find great gifts for Mom. Don’t just get them something that’s really about cleaning the house or doing chores: Instead, get them something that recognizes them as the cool person they are, whether they’re a skin care fanatic or read more books than they know what to do with.

    This guide has fun ideas of gifts for Mom (or your mother-in-law!), whether it’s for Mother’s Day, Christmas, a birthday, or just because. Looking for more true mom gear to help your favorite mama out? We have guides on everything from baby monitors and strollers to the best baby gear for that first year. Don’t forget to check out our guides to the Best Gifts for Women, Best Gifts for Book Lovers, and Best Gifts for Cat Lovers if you’re looking for more gift ideas.

    Updated October 2025: We’ve updated this guide with new gifts from PopSockets, Calpak, Aura, Beautiful by Drew Barrymore, and Roterunner.

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    Nena Farrell

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  • Tried-and-Tested Practical Gift Ideas for Exhausted New Parents

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    As a parent, you learn early on that not all baby gear is created equal. Some items get used once before disappearing into a closet, while others barely leave your side. The difference comes down to whether a product makes your life easier, or if parents or babies love it. After all, the last thing new parents need is more clutter; what they need are thoughtful essentials to help lighten the load.

    If you’re shopping for a new parent—whether it’s a friend, sibling, or coworker—these gifts hit the sweet spot. Tested by our team (and babies!), these gift ideas are designed to keep groggy parents organized, hydrated, and grounded through the newborn blur.

    If you’re looking for more early-days gear, don’t miss our guides to the Best Baby Monitors, Best Strollers, and Best Breast Pumps. If you’re shopping for older kids, check out our guides to the Best Stem Toys or the Best Subscription Boxes for Kids.

    Updated October 2025: We’ve added the Wildbird Aerial Baby Carrier, Little Sleepies Women’s Robe, Owala FreeSip, Oxo Perfect Pull Wipes Dispenser, TushBaby Hip Seat Carrier, Qunlons Electric Baby Nail Trimmer, 3W Floor Mats, and Souper Cubes as new gifts, and removed several outdated selections. We’ve also updated prices and links throughout.

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    Nena Farrell , Nicole Kinning

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  • Mom stunned by what 11-month-old daughter asks: “still blown away”

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    A Kentucky mom was left stunned by what her 11-month-old asked her one day back in 2020.

    Sheena Boggs (@messandmercy) posted a clip on TikTok of her toddler, Ellie, walking across the room and holding out a book. “Read a book, please?” she asked her mom. 

    “It was one of those small, ordinary moments that felt so sweet, I just had to record it,” the 36-year-old told Newsweek

    Sheena, who is also mom to Jaxon, 8, and 3-year-old Alexander with husband Chris, said that her daughter has always been eager to explore the world around her.  

    “She rolled consistently from belly to back at just 2 months old, then from back to belly by 3 months,” Sheena said. “By 5 months, she was crawling on hands and knees, standing unassisted at 8 months, and walking by 9.” 

    Sheena homeschools her three children and said she believes that, by talking to them all day, having constant conversations and reading together, it played a key role in Ellie’s early speech development.  

    When Ellie started walking and talking before her first birthday, the mom of three said she was both amazed and amused. 

    “She just seemed so determined to be part of everything her older brother was doing,” Sheena said. “I remember, when I was potty training him, she simply declared that she too was done with diapers, and that was that; fully potty trained at 18 months with no accidents just because she was done!” 

    It wasn’t just family and friends who noticed Ellie’s advanced milestones either. “My mom always said Ellie reminded her of me, because I was an early talker too and have the ‘gift of gab,’” Sheena said.  

    The family’s pediatrician also commented that Ellie was “developing beautifully” and encouraged the parents to keep nurturing her interests. 

    “Our chiropractor always commented—and still does—on how incredibly strong she was. I think most people were just shocked to see such a little one walking and chatting so clearly,” Sheena added. 

    Now 6, Ellie continues to thrive. Looking back at old videos, Sheena is “still blown away” by what she could do at such a young age.  

    “She’s bright and inquisitive,” Boggs said. “She loves to ask questions, read books, and explain things in her own words.”

    After losing their first daughter during delivery, every milestone with their children holds special meaning for Sheena and Chris. “I never take a single one for granted,” Sheena said. “Whether they reach them early, late, or right on time, I just feel so grateful to watch them grow and become kind, thoughtful little humans.” 

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  • Asking Eric: After medical miracle, daughter is angry about mom’s travel

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    Dear Eric: I’m in my 60s and have a crippling disease that kept me housebound for nearly five years. My daughter moved back home around that time after her sister took her life and left behind a young son, whom we have been raising together.

    A new medication for this disease was recently approved. I’ve been taking it for two years, and it has led to incredibly impressive improvements. I have a new lease on life!

    The manufacturers of this medication invited me to be a patient ambassador for them this year. I receive a good stipend for traveling once every other month or so to talk with physicians, pharmacists and other patients struggling with this condition. The trips are very short (one to two days), and my physical needs and limitations are respected and accommodated.

    My daughter is angry about this and wants me to stop. She gives a number of reasons: That I’m shilling for Big Pharma, the time it takes for me to recover from trips, all the “what ifs,” (nonexistent) financial burdens, leaving her behind to cope with a recalcitrant teenager, et cetera. She refuses to participate or support my efforts in any way.

    I suspect there’s something else going on. Could she be worried about the time I will leave her behind permanently?

    What’s the best way to discuss this with someone who refuses to talk about the fact that I will not always be around, no matter how safe I try to be? I intend to grab this chance to provide a patient perspective and support others struggling with this disease. It matters to me. Yet I also want my family to accept and support me just as I support them.

    — Patient Patient

    Dear Patient: I’m sure you’re right: there are probably a lot of other emotions and triggers influencing your daughter’s position. This is understandable, but the first thing to remember is you don’t need her permission to live your life. Every family system is interconnected, and yours is no different. Collaborating to raise a child, who is surely still grieving the loss of his mother (as you are also still grieving) makes that interconnectedness even more complicated. Communication is key here, as is compromise, but I don’t see your daughter’s demands in that spirit.

    For the moment, table debate about your trips. You needn’t stop them, especially if they are helping you feel you’re living your purpose. But you, your daughter, and your grandson should participate jointly and individually in family therapy. Focus initially on the grief and the new dynamics of your family. Sometimes, when a loved one dies and life has to be dramatically rearranged, we make the first or most immediately available choice. After some of the initial shock has subsided, it’s good to revisit those early choices to make sure they still work for us. I’m not suggesting that your co-raising arrangement needs upending, instead therapy can be an opportunity to process what your shared goals are, how you’re working toward those goals, and any places where those goals don’t align.

    Your daughter may never be fully comfortable with your trips. Much of that is her work to do. But by continuing to have conversations that acknowledge how much has changed, you give each other the opportunity to keep changing and growing, too.

    Dear Eric: I wanted to respond to your advice to “Lonely At Night”, whose marriage was in trouble and whose husband refused to be physical. The letter writer wanted to get a dog for company, to which the husband was also opposed. You stated if the wife wants to get a dog and the husband does not, she should get a dog anyway. This is a dangerous recommendation for the dog.

    I have worked in dog rescue and adopt my own rescue dogs.

    I have seen way too many times that when one person wants a dog and the other does not, that poor dog suffers from neglect and quite often physical abuse from the party who never wanted the pet. Then they end up kicked out of the home, given to dangerous shelters or just suffering from the stress of moving to a new home.

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    R. Eric Thomas

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  • Mom’s agony as 5 year old regresses back to toddler after rare diagnosis

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    Holding back tears, Christine Ulrich recalls how her daughter Veda once loved dancing, drawing and babbling. Now, she can no longer speak or even hold a crayon.

    Three years ago, Veda was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare and devastating neurodegenerative condition often referred to as ‘childhood dementia.’

    The disease gradually takes away the skills children have learned—leading to seizures, movement difficulties and profound health challenges over time. Tragically, most children with the condition face a premature death.

    “She has changed significantly since diagnosis,” Ulrich, 37, told Newsweek. “It’s hard to watch how quickly she has deteriorated.”

    Losing Her Words

    As a toddler, Veda would scribble all day while proudly reciting the names of her family members. Now, she is frustrated by her inability to communicate.

    Ulrich, an ultrasound technician from Palm Coast, Florida, said her daughter is “regressing”. Mentally, she is now just around one year old.

    “Veda used to ask questions like ‘what is that?’ and ‘what are we doing?’” Ulrich said. “But she can’t get the words out anymore; she tries to mimic sounds.”

    These communication struggles have left Veda unhappy and uncomfortable much of the time. “She will be fine watching TV and then suddenly cry for hours,” Ulrich explained.

    Understanding Sanfilippo Syndrome

    Sanfilippo syndrome is one of the mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) disorders, caused by enzyme deficiencies that lead to a buildup of glycosaminoglycan—a type of long sugar molecule—in the body.

    This accumulation affects both physical and neurological health.

    A key neurological feature of the syndrome is challenging behavior—including hyperactivity, attention difficulties and severe frustration.

    Early Warning Signs

    Up until 14 months old, Veda was developing like any other baby. She had learned to walk before her first birthday and was starting to talk.

    But then her parents noticed that she was drinking excessively, was frequently sick with respiratory and ear infections, and had a growing appetite. Also, Ulrich said, “she’d drink a gallon of water a day. We were worried she was diabetic.”

    A viral TikTok video shared to @valor_of_veda documents their journey shows how Veda’s parents were initially dismissed because “she didn’t look diabetic.”

    After multiple tests ruled out diabetes and other conditions, doctors were left without answers.

    “During this time, her talking dwindled down,” Ulrich recalled. “She went from trying to talk to stopping. We thought she might have autism and started speech therapy.”

    A Devastating Diagnosis

    On June 2, 2022, Ulrich came across a video of a little girl who looked just like Veda. That moment led to their discovery of Sanfilippo syndrome.

    According to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, children with this disease often share distinct facial features—including a prominent forehead, thick eyebrows that may meet over time and full lips with a larger-than-average nose.

    “My chest was tight and I was so upset when looking at the girl,” she recalled. “I showed my husband Jericho, 35, and he went pale.”

    The family went to their pediatrician and were referred for genetic testing. Three months later, she was diagnosed with the condition that affects 1 in 70,000 live births.

    No Cure Yet

    Since the diagnosis, the Ulrich family has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for a clinical trial. There is currently no approved treatment.

    In June 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Complete Response Letter for UX111, a gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, asking Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. to address manufacturing and facility issues—delaying potential approval until 2026.

    Facing the Future

    “I feel scared, sad and angry about the future,” Ulrich said through tears. “I am sad because I know my child will pass away very young, scared that I’m not going to be able to keep her comfortable.

    “I am angry that she has to go through this. No child deserves to have such a cruel disease; she is a sweet little kid.

    “I am terrified that I’m not going to be able to save her. It’s hard to take her to therapy to keep her skills, and no matter how hard she works, one day all the skills she has fought to keep—she will lose.”

    Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about men’s reproductive health? Let us know via health@newsweek.com.

    Reference

    Escolar, M. L., Jones, S. A., Shapiro, E. G., Horovitz, D. D. G., Lampe, C., & Amartino, H. (2017). Practical management of behavioral problems in mucopolysaccharidoses disorders. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, 122, 35–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.09.010

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