Tag Archives: Parents

So, ‘Gurt’ Is A Thing Kids Say Now (And It’s Tenuously Tied To Yoghurt)

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These days, you need a translator to understand half of what kids are saying.

Thanks to the popularity of social media sites like TikTok, every week children and teens are finding new phrases and memes to share and say to each other – much to the befuddlement of their parents.

From the latest baffling trend of saying “and a Black Santa napkin!” to the rise of “six-seven” and the bizarre world of brainrot characters like Ballerina Cappuccina, it can be exhausting work for parents and teachers trying to keep up with what it all means.

One of the other expressions kids are coming out with currently is “gurt”.

But what does ‘gurt’ mean?

In some parts of England, gurt means very large or great. But this isn’t what kids mean when they’re saying it.

In his weekly videos on the words kids are using in class, school teacher and TikTok creator Philip Lindsay said the meaning of gurt is “confusing”, as people seem to use it in two different ways.

The first way refers to a joke where someone says “Yoghurt” and a character called Gurt replies: “Yo”.

According to Know Your Meme (KYM), this actually dates back to 2012, but only recently took off thanks to videos on TikTok.

Mr Lindsay explained in his TikTok explainer that “in this scenario, the proper response to someone saying ‘gurt’ is ‘yo’ and vice versa, if somebody says ‘yo’ you say ‘gurt’”.

So, kind of like a greeting. Makes sense.

But that’s not where this all ends. The teacher explained that the term seems to have evolved, however, and now has “more meaning to it”.

There’s a series of videos known as “What They’re Doing Is Very Smart But Also Very Dangerous” which show cute animals “doing something very smart but also very dangerous”, as per KYM.

For example, penguins jumping from high off a massive iceberg into the sea.

So now, according to Mr Lindsay, “the meaning of gurt or gurting is to do something smart yet dangerous”.

Ultimately though, there’s no agreed meaning.

The teacher continued: “There are a bunch of definitions flying around right now on the internet about what gurt actually means, so we’ll see how this unfolds in the coming months.”

Right, I need a sleep.

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I’m A Travel Pro, These Are The Best Holiday Destinations To Take Kids And Teens (By Age)

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Travelling with kids isn’t for the faint-hearted – but it can be a joyful (if not slightly exhausting, let’s be honest) adventure if you choose a destination that suits your child’s age.

Whether you’ve got a small explorer, a school-age child or you’re holidaying with teens, Maria Belfort at Rickshaw Travel has shared her thoughts on the best destinations for different age groups.

And you might be surprised by some of her top picks.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

For kids aged 1-5

Top picks: Greece, Portugal, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia.

“This age is all about balance,” said Belfort, “you’ll want easy logistics, short travel distances, and plenty of time to simply splash in a pool or dig sandcastles on the beach. But that doesn’t mean skipping out on culture.”

She said Greece is a great option for families with little ones as it offers “a dreamy blend of clear, shallow waters and picturesque villages”.

“On the Cyclades islands, such as Naxos and Paros, you can dip into local life with boat trips, donkey rides and taverna feasts,” she added.

Portugal is another family-friendly option as it delivers sun-soaked beaches and compact cities like Lisbon and Porto, “with tram rides, castles, and gelato galore”.

And yet another perfect European hotspot for young families to visit is Italy. Think “gelato-fuelled walks through historic piazzas, scenic countryside farm stays, and child-friendly meals at every turn”.

While Thailand and Malaysia might sound adventurous, Belfort insisted they’re “surprisingly doable with young children” as you can combine beach time with gentle jungle adventures, floating markets and elephant spotting. Just make sure you pack plenty of snacks for the plane journey!

For kids aged 5-10

Top picks: Thailand, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Borneo, Canada

As primary school-aged children become more curious and capable, Belfort suggests opting for longer-haul trips packed with adventure.

Belfort said: “These destinations offer the right mix of wildlife, nature and new experiences – all with a strong dose of family fun.”

She recommended the “wildlife wonderland” of Borneo – specifically river safaris in Sarawak and meeting orangutans in their natural habitat. Kayaking, firefly spotting, and rainforest treks make this an “unbeatable playground”, she added.

Similarly, Costa Rica is like stepping into a David Attenborough documentary and is guaranteed to be a hit with kids. “Watch sloths hanging from the treetops, explore volcanoes, and zip-line over rainforest canopies,” said Belfort.

Canada is also a great shout for slightly older adventurers. “Explore the Rockies, paddle crystal lakes, and spot bears from a safe distance,” said Belfort. “The west coast route is particularly good for kids who love the great outdoors.”

For something a little more laid back, Bali offers family-friendly beaches, rice paddies to cycle through, and traditional crafts to try, all with an easygoing rhythm. While Sri Lanka and Thailand can offer tuk tuk rides, temples, and gentle wildlife adventures that are both educational and exciting.

For kids aged 10-15

Top picks: Vietnam, Thailand, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Borneo, Canada, Peru, India

According to Belfort, these destinations offer “the right balance of education and adventure – from ancient ruins and jungle hikes to hands-on experiences with local communities”.

In Vietnam, she advises cruising through Halong Bay, exploring Hanoi’s buzzing streets, and learning about local life in the Mekong Delta.

India can offer vibrant cities, majestic forts, and tiger safaris, while Peru provides an exhilarating journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. “For kids fascinated by ancient cultures and big landscapes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip,” she added.

“Borneo, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica continue to be brilliant at this age, with more physical activities (kayaking, snorkelling, short treks) and fascinating ecosystems to discover,” she said.

Meanwhile, Canada and Indonesia provide more stunning natural backdrops for multi-day adventures.

For teens aged 15+

Top picks: Vietnam, Peru, India, Borneo, Indonesia

Teens are ready for a proper adventure – and the expert said travel can be a brilliant tool for confidence building and perspective.

She suggested Vietnam caters well to teens with its bustling cities, rural homestays, and beautiful beaches, “offering a coming-of-age style journey that they’ll remember for years”.

Peru’s Inca Trail or alternatives like the Lares Trek can provide a real sense of accomplishment, while the country’s indigenous cultures can “open teens’ eyes to a different way of life”.

She continued: “India offers a full-on sensory experience – from street food tours to spice markets and heritage sites. It’s an ideal place for older teens to begin thinking about global citizenship and responsibility.”

And in Borneo, older kids can delve deeper into conservation work, jungle trekking, and learning about the fragile ecosystems of the rainforest.

Last of all, Indonesia’s Sumatran rainforests or Bali’s quieter corners offer the “right mix of escapism and depth, with opportunities to explore independently and mindfully”.

Happy holidays!

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I’ve Finally Found A Toddler Cup That Doesn’t Leave Puddles Of Water Everywhere

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We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Over the years I have purchased an embarrassingly large number of baby and toddler cups in the hopes that one day, one of them would not leak. (I’m sadly not kidding, we have a cupboard full of them.)

There have been sippy beakers with fold down nozzles, 360 sippy cups, tip and sip cups, stainless steel jobbies, silicone ones – a collection of vessels picked up in supermarkets and via 3am Amazon purchases.

And all of them have dribbled water out in varying degrees.

So you can imagine my extreme surprise when I discovered a toddler cup that doesn’t leak at all. It might not surprise die-hard fans of the brand, but the cup in question is from Tommee Tippee.

Recently, the baby brand launched a new leakproof range and I was pleased to get my hands on its new weighted straw cup for my one-year-old.

She’d been using a weighted straw cup from another brand but I found every time she put the cup down and left it lying on its side, water would seep out.

The result? Little puddles of wet dotted around our house. Fine on carpet, not-so-great on your nice wooden floors, even worse on your slippery kitchen tiles.

I was pretty sceptical that the cup would be leakproof, given my history (and cupboard full of useless drinking vessels). But incredibly we’ve been trying the Tommee Tippee cup for over a month now and there have been zero spills. Zilch!

Even when she launches the cup to the floor from her high chair: nada! It’s a modern-day miracle.

Not a single drip from the straw.

Natasha Hinde

Not a single drip from the straw.

What wizardry is this? Well, the straw has a two-piece valve which stops water from escaping and somehow actually works.

It also has a flip-down cover to keep the straw nice and clean when not in use (a great feature when you’re out and about and you need to shove it under the buggy quickly).

According to Tommee Tippee, the cup is BPA free, as well as dishwasher and steriliser safe. Big fan of the fact it also comes with a handy brush to clean the straw.

The cups retail at £9.99 which I would argue is well worth the money if you don’t want to water-damaged floors or a soaking wet changing bag.

Happy hydrating!

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‘My Baby’s Fingertip Was Cut Off By This Common Household Item’

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Graphic content warning: this article includes photos of an injured finger.

The mum of a baby whose fingertip was cut off after it became caught in a folding step stool is urging other parents to be aware of the dangers – and to keep theirs well out of reach of little hands.

Kay de Bruyn, 35, from Alberta in Canada, said she kept a step stool next to the sofa so her eldest son could get on and off it to watch TV.

But one morning, disaster struck when she turned her back for a moment and heard a “thud”, followed by her youngest son, who is one, screaming and crying.

“I had never heard a cry like that before,” de Bruyn told HuffPost UK. “He was lying on his stomach and the stool was now collapsed and lying on the ground in front of him.

“I thought he might have tripped and hit his face on it. But when I picked him up, there was blood everywhere. I caught a glimpse of his middle finger – it looked like the tip was gone.”

Her son's finger after the accident (left) and since healing fully (right).

Kay de Bruyn

Her son’s finger after the accident (left) and since healing fully (right).

The mum said her son was inconsolable and she began to panic.

“I grabbed a clean cloth from the bathroom and held it to his finger. I wish I could say I stayed calm, but I completely lost it,” she said.

After calling her husband and her parents, she ran across the street with her son and knocked on her neighbour’s door.

“I explained what had happened and asked them to check if the fingertip was truly gone,” she said.

“They gently took my son, checked, and confirmed it. Still holding him, they came back to the house with me and even offered to drive us to the emergency room.”

The parent quickly ran upstairs to see if she could locate the fingertip. “And that’s when I saw it: the tip of his finger was still stuck in the stool,” she recalled.

“I brought the stool downstairs, and my neighbour pried it out using a clean kitchen knife. While he did that, I called emergency services, and they instructed me to place the fingertip in a clean plastic bag.

“The ambulance arrived and took us to the children’s hospital, where they reattached the fingertip. Unfortunately, part of it didn’t survive and eventually fell off.”

Because part of the fingertip is missing, her son’s nail is now growing over the tip of his finger and the family is hoping to get a referral to a plastic surgeon.

“While he seems relatively unfazed by it now, I wanted to share our story – because I know this type of stool is common in many households,” said de Bruyn.

After posting a reel about what happened, the parent said two other families contacted her to say the same thing happened to their children.

“If I had known something like this could happen, I never would have kept it in our home,” she added.

For parents worried about having a folding step stool lying around, there are non-folding wooden and plastic options available (like this BabyBjörn one, which was rated best overall by Parents).

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Need Baby Name Inspo? These Were The Most Popular In America Last Year

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The data is in! The Social Security Administration has released its official list of the most popular baby names of 2024.

For the sixth straight year, the No. 1 name for girls is Olivia, which overtook Emma in 2019. Meanwhile, Liam is still the most popular name for boys for the eight year in a row. Noah and Emma also held steady as the No. 2 names.

The SSA compiles the annual list based on the names parents in the US gave their babies born in the previous year. Although the top name rankings usually don’t super dramatically from year to year, there were a few interesting small changes from 2023 to 2024.

Amelia surpassed Charlotte for the No. 3 spot, Mia jumped up to No. 5 in place of Sophia, and Evelyn knocked Ava down a ranking. Meanwhile, Sofia (with an f) joined the top 10 for the first time ever last year as the 10th most popular name for girls, ousting Luna from the list.

As for the boys, Theodore jumped up three places from No. 7 to No. 4. Henry is now the sixth most popular name for boys, having risen two spots, and Mateo moved down to seventh.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 girls’ and boys’ names of 2024.

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Prince Archie Turns 6 – And Meghan Markle Has 1 Question All Parents Can Relate To

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s son is six!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated Prince Archie’s birthday on Tuesday, which the As Ever founder marked with an Instagram post.

“Our son. Our sun. Happy 6th birthday to Archie!” Meghan wrote, alongside a photo of Archie turning to look at the sun.

“Thank you for all of the love, prayers, and warm wishes for our sweet boy. He’s six!” the duchess added, before asking a question all parents can relate to: “Where did the time go?”

Before signing off, Meghan thanked everyone who attended Archie’s birthday celebration.

“For all of you who came to celebrate with us at his party last weekend, thank you for making his birthday so incredibly special,” she added alongside a red heart emoji.

Archie Harrison was born on May 6, 2019, and weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

Meghan said he had “the sweetest temperament” in a photo call with the press after the couple’s son was born. “He’s just been the dream, so it’s been a special couple of days.”

Harry said at the time that “parenting is amazing”.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their baby son, Archie, meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter during their royal tour of South Africa on Sept. 25, 2019.

Pool via Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their baby son, Archie, meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter during their royal tour of South Africa on Sept. 25, 2019.

“It’s only been what, two and a half days, three days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy,” he said. “We have to spend some precious time with him as he slowly starts to grow up.”

Meghan and Harry are also parents to Princess Lilibet, who is now three.

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This Hands-Off Parenting Trend Is Going Viral. Here’s What Experts Make Of It

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Kylie Kelce recently shared on her podcast that she supports a specific style of parenting, and it’s raising some controversy.

The mum of four and wife of retired Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champ Jason Kelce explained she came across the term FAFO (“fuck around and find out”) on an Instagram post. “[It’s] the act of having your kids experience the natural consequences of their actions without getting too involved.”

It also happens to be a viral social media trend: there are now dozens of posts on MomTok singing the virtues of allowing your toddler to take a bite of a fiery hot chili pepper, all in the name of figuring things out for themselves.

Some of these mums claim they need to “out-feral their feral children” and one even shows her young son the door when he says he’s mad she won’t let him sleep in her bed (“You wanna go to someone else’s house? See ya!”). Despite the resulting tears and tantrums, the comments on these posts are generally celebratory (“Good job! Good for you! Yes, Mama!”).

I can relate to some of what these women are saying because I had that kid – the too-smart-for-her-own-good, fiercely independent middle schooler who told me she didn’t need to wear a hat in 20-degree weather. This usually resulted in me begging, pleading and threatening – then running after her, beanie in hand, until she grabbed it and furiously pulled it over her ears.

Today she’s 22, and little has changed. She has gone out in snowstorms in heels and insists that taking the subway at night is “perfectly safe.” I know, I know: she’s a full-grown adult living on her own and I need to hang up my helicopter mum cap and let her make her own mistakes.

Would I have been better off taking a more laissez-faire approach to parenting?

FAFO supporters believe that a child needs to confront consequences – even if they are uncomfortable or painful – to learn and grow.

Clinical psychologist Elina Telford agrees that it “supports the brain to learn, creating opportunities for resilience, independence and problem-solving.”

Still, to me and many other parents, it sounds scary, dangerous and a little mean. What about younger kids who can’t easily anticipate cause and effect? And what about outcomes that aren’t immediate? Do we really want our children to learn things the hard way and be subject to possible harm?

Experts say there are both pros and cons to this parenting style and aren’t surprised it’s trending.

“FAFO parenting appears to have emerged from the clash between helicopter parenting and gentle parenting,” explained Sean O’Neill, an LA-based licensed marriage and family therapist. “While gentle parenting focuses on empathy and connection, it often falls short on personal responsibility and accountability. FAFO fills that gap by allowing children to take on more responsibility while teaching them self-reliance. ”

“If you give them the power to choose and then retract it, it may have a negative effect. Your discomfort may send your child the message that you actually think they are incapable, which is the opposite of the desired result.”

– Trisha Sanders, licensed clinical social worker

Children need to be able to go out in the world to explore for themselves but they also need a safe place to come back to when they get scared, overwhelmed or tired, added Trisha Sanders, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Wholefamily Therapy and Wellness in New Jersey.

“A sense of competence is achieved when children can try things on their own, combined with caregivers giving grace when mistakes are made and help when it is requested. The downside can appear when there is a lack of appropriate caregiver support received by the child after they mess around and can’t quite figure it out.”

FAFO parenting can be tough on parents who tend to be anxious. “It can be hard to knowingly let something adverse happen to your child,” said kid empowerment coach Mark Papadas. “Many parents ‘shield’ their kids from any and all negative actions or consequences. But think back on your life. Which life lessons have had the biggest impact on you: What you learned from your own experience or something that someone told you?”

Ready to give FAFO parenting a try?

The best strategy is to ease into it. “Start on a small scale, giving simple options and enabling the child to encounter minimal consequences, like choosing not to wear a raincoat and subsequently getting wet,” O’Neill advised. “Parents need to explain risks and step back to let the child manage things.”

The idea is to do less, but not disconnect. Be clear in your expectations, communicate potential outcomes and let go when it’s safe. “FAFO can be a smart technique if it’s balanced with emotional availability and guidance,” said Eden Garcia-Balis, a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist. “This parenting strategy is not about being completely hands-off, it’s about being strategically hands-off and allowing your child to slowly develop enough confidence and independence to take charge of their own actions and consequences.”

How much freedom you allow also depends on your child’s readiness to roam free — their age as well as their personal development. “This approach can be helpful with children from toddlers through teens,” Sanders insisted. “The differences will be largely about how much detail you provide about consequences of choices and what kinds of choices you allow your child to ‘fuck around’ with. The abstract thinking of long-term consequences may be lost on a little one. For older children and teens, you can use this approach for many decisions and you can empower them more and more as you both grow more confident with this process.”

Sanders also suggests not chickening out when you grant your child autonomy. “If you give them the power to choose and then retract it, it may have a negative effect. Your discomfort may send your child the message that you actually think they are incapable, which is the opposite of the desired result.”

In the end, for both parents and children, there is a learning curve to the FAFO technique.

“Hold on to the fact that learning does happen through trial and error and part of it is learning how to tolerate and navigate uncomfortable feelings,” Telford said. “With accurate information and a careful approach, you can feel free to explore FAFO, see if it fits with your identity as a parent and grow a sense of competence right along with your child.”

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Michelle Obama Reveals What ‘No One Tells You’ About Fertility Struggles

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Michelle Obama continues to open up about her fertility journey and the hardships she faced along the way – despite thinking she had it all figured out.

“You imagine your life as you’re checking boxes,” the former first lady said during an appearance on The Diary of A CEO podcast released Wednesday.

“I’m waiting, I delayed having kids, I’ve found the love of my life, and now I’m gonna get pregnant,” Obama shared. “And no one tells you that there really is a biological clock – like, that’s not false.”

Obama spoke about listening to someone talk about women’s fertility recently, and her first thought was, “Why didn’t anybody tell me this? Why weren’t people talking about this?”

Obama said that by the time she and her husband, Barack, started really trying – “which worked perfectly for our careers and maturing and having everything set” – they began to run into roadblocks.

“While we’re waiting for our lives to be perfect, that biological clock is ticking,” she said of their experience.

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In this candid conversation, she joins Steven with her brother Craig Robinson, a former college basketball coach turned executive, to open up about everything from Trump’s inauguration to marriage challenges, grief, and rediscovering her purpose.\n\nTogether, they discuss:\n* How their parents instilled empathy, discipline, and resilience growing up amid racial tension.\n* Michelle’s journey through elite schools and corporate law, driven by a need to tick society’s boxes.\n* The evolution of Michelle and Barack’s relationship, from colleagues to lifelong partners.\n* Fertility struggles, parenting tips, and what it really takes to sustain a long-term marriage.\n* Navigating life in the White House, grief, personal boundaries, and rediscovering her true calling.\n\n00:00 Intro \n02:01 Michelle and Craig’s Childhood \n04:38 Values Learned from Their Parents \n08:35 Michelle Skipping Second Grade \n12:06 The Role of Race in Their Childhood \n15:09 What \"White Flight\" Means \n16:50 Coping with Racism \n20:45 Overcoming Being Underestimated \n26:23 Michelle’s Search for Identity \n30:10 Meeting Barack \n31:49 Introducing Barack to the Family \n33:38 Why Michelle Initially Rejected Barack \n37:18 Michelle’s Career Change: Pursuing Joy \n40:41 Relationship with Barack \n44:46 Couples Counseling with Barack \n49:23 Pregnancy Struggles \n56:16 Hardest Moments in Their Marriage \n57:20 Barack Obama Runs for Public Office \n01:03:18 What I Should Have Said to Barack \n01:07:00 Being the First Black First Lady and Facing Scrutiny \n01:15:06 Remembering Your Mother \n01:16:42 The Death of Your Mother \n01:18:25 Processing the Grief \n01:20:31 Not Attending Trump’s Inauguration \n\n100 CEOs: Ready to think like a CEO? Gain access to the 100 CEOs newsletter here: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/100-ceos-megaphone⁠⁠\n\nThe 1% Diary is back – limited time only:\n⁠https://bit.ly/1-Diary-Megaphone-ad-r…⁠ \n\nThe Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition):\n⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb⁠ \n\nGet email updates: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt⁠⁠ \n\nListen to Michelle & Craig’s new podcast IMO:\n⁠https://bit.ly/3YnxIUg⁠ \n\nFollow Michelle:\nInstagram – ⁠https://bit.ly/3Ymxs7W⁠ \nTwitter – ⁠https://bit.ly/4cYXiVC⁠ \n\nFollow Craig:\nInstagram – ⁠https://bit.ly/4lThkVB⁠ \nTwitter – ⁠https://bit.ly/4lTGJ1f⁠ \n\nFollow Steven: ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb⁠ \n\nYou can purchase Michelle’s book, ‘Overcoming: A Workbook’, here: ⁠https://amzn.to/4jTqcsi⁠ (UK) / ⁠https://amzn.to/3SbbelM⁠ (US) \n\nSponsors:\nAiralo – https://try.airalo.com/TheDiaryOfACEO with code DOAC3\nVivobarefoot – https://vivobarefoot.com/DOAC with code DIARY20 for 20% off","options":{"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"_end":{"label":"End on","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s","value":""},"_start":{"label":"Start from","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s","value":"2965"}},"provider_name":"YouTube","thumbnail_height":720,"thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D67eWcX2XYQ/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"title":"Michelle Obama: This Is A Scam! 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“So you start trying and it’s not working, that’s when you go to the doctor,” she said. “And they tell you, ’Oh! You’re running out of eggs – this is normal. You’re gonna have trouble getting pregnant. And so try a little bit, and now it’s time for IVF, if you can afford it.”

Obama described the news as “just a shock to the system,” especially as someone who likes learning and knowledge.

She also disliked that the knowledge or information felt like “such a secret,” which is why Obama said she speaks openly about her fertility journey, including experiencing pregnancy loss, and doing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Obama first opened up about undergoing IVF and having a miscarriage in her powerful 2018 memoir, Becoming.

“I felt like I failed because I didn’t know how common miscarriages were because we don’t talk about them,” the author said in an interview on Good Morning America in 2018. “We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow we’re broken.”

She also wrote about feeling alone during IVF, as her “sweet, attentive husband” was away at the state legislature.

She said his absence left her “largely on my own to manipulate my reproductive system into peak efficiency”.

Help and support:

  • Sands works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby.
  • Tommy’s fund research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and provide pregnancy health information to parents.
  • Saying Goodbye offers support for anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.
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