Parenting trends to try and toss

October 28, 2026 - 02:24

Parenting advice shifts constantly, and it can be hard for families to know which ideas are genuinely useful and which are just passing noise. Amber Freeman, host of Bloom, recently spoke with author and pediatrician Dr. Alison Mitzner about the parenting trends families should embrace and the ones they should let go of.

Their conversation covered a range of practical topics, including how to set healthy boundaries with children and why kids need more unstructured time to play and grow. Mitzner offered a grounded perspective on balancing structure with freedom, helping parents understand that firm limits and open-ended play are not opposites. Both serve a purpose in healthy development.

The discussion also touched on the pressure parents often feel to follow every new method that appears online or in parenting circles. According to Mitzner, not every popular approach deserves a place in the home. Some trends add stress without adding value, while others, such as clear communication and consistent routines, are worth holding onto for the long term.

Freeman and Mitzner encouraged parents to focus on what supports their child's wellbeing rather than chasing every new idea. The takeaway is simple: choose trends that fit your family and let the rest go without guilt.