Family
I Want to Be a Good Dad. That Means Showing Up for Myself, Too
Here’s how I’m taking care of my mental health as a new father.
By Mychal Denzel Smith
Pedro Pascal Opens Up About Losing His Mother at Age 24
The actor felt “parental” toward his younger siblings as they all worked through grief.
By Maggie O'Neill
Health
How to Cope With ‘Anticipatory Grief’ When a Loved One Is Dying
Knowing a loss is coming doesn’t make it any easier.
By Jenna Ryu
Nuclear fission
6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Cutting Off a Toxic Family Member
Therapist Nedra Tawwab wrote the book on the subject (literally).
By Samantha Vincenty
‘Keep Him Emotional’: Jane Fonda Has Some Advice for People Raising Sons
She discussed contending with mom guilt—and what she’s learned about being there for boys.
By Maggie O'Neill
Keke Palmer Got Real About the Pressure of Breastfeeding: It’s Been a ‘Doozy’
“It isn’t that easy. And if it is for you, wonderful. But I think more often than not, it’s difficult.”
By Kayla Blanton
Bruce Willis’s Daughter Shared the Early Dementia Symptom His Family Missed
“I’ve known that something was wrong for a long time,” Tallulah wrote in an emotional essay.
By Kayla Blanton
Mommy issues
12 Realistic Tips for Managing Mom Guilt, From Mothers Who Get It
“You don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time.”
By Jenna Ryu
Relative peace
3 Things to Do When a Family Member Won’t Change Their Toxic Behavior
You can’t force them to evolve, but you also don’t have to stay stuck.
By Jennifer Chen
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
Jane Fonda Is Not ‘Scared of Dying’—but She Does Have a Major Regret in Life
At 85, the actor is still learning how to “show up” for her kids.
By Maggie O'Neill
Health
The New Obesity Guidelines for Kids Are Appalling
And I’m not the only eating disorder expert who’s outraged.
By Christine Byrne, MPH, RD
Screen savers
The Best Movies and Shows to Watch When You’re Sitting Around With Your Family
From crowd-pleasing series to feel-good films for all ages.
By Samantha Vincenty
Parental advisory
How to Make the Most of Your Time Off, Even If Your Family Is Exhausting
Yes, the holidays can still be restful even if your family isn’t.
By Maggie O'Neill
Health
How 11 Therapists Deal With Their Stressful Families During the Holidays
Yep, they struggle with boundaries this time of year too.
By Sharon Kwon, LCSW
How to Cope If Family Gatherings Trigger Your Social Anxiety
Tips to handle weird conversations and stay grounded when you’re overwhelmed.
By Julia Ries
Might I Suggest Faking a Holiday Nap?
Don’t think of it as lying; think of it as self-care.
By Maggie Lange
How to Talk to Your Kids About Your MS Diagnosis
Tips for having the conversation in an honest—and reassuring—way.
By Korin Miller
Culture
Karamo Brown and His Son on Compassionate Parenting and Sharing Feelings
The coauthors want kids to know that all emotions are valid.
By Candace Bond-Theriault
‘It Feels Exactly Right’: Actor Ali Stroker on What It’s Like to Be Pregnant in a Wheelchair
“My baby will always have a mom in a wheelchair, and I don't see that represented in many places.”
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
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Culture
36 Best Gifts for New Moms Who Could Use Some Serious R&R
Some much-needed TLC, coming right up.
36 slides
By Shanna Shipin
Culture
Why Is It So Damn Hard to Ask for Help When You Need It?
Good news: There are ways to get better at it.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
How to Prepare for the Emotional, Physical, and Social Realities of Life Postpartum
This time can be overwhelming and transformative—but there are ways to make it easier.
By Tiffany Ayuda
6 Things New Parents Should Know About RSV in Young Children
Here are the symptoms to look out for—and how to stay safe.
By Korin Miller
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33 Best Gifts for Pregnant People
Presents that make pregnancy a little bit sweeter.
33 slides
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
7 Things You Can Do to Show Up for the New Parent in Your Life
When a baby is born, a parent is too. Here’s how you can support them both.
By Cassie Shortsleeve