Only 3 more days left in the year. It’s been a year filled with many ups and downs, and 2017 was one of the hardest years of our lives. I’m glad to be saying goodbye to it. I love the start of each new year. Even though it’s just another day, it always feels like the start of something new.

new years

Here are some interesting parenting links from around the web this week.

C H R I S T M A S

The story behind the beautiful way this mom told her sons the truth about Santa via Washington Post

‘Our kids were just so ungrateful’: Why some families are boycotting presents this year via Washington Post

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas toy for kids, or a mind game for adults? via Washington Post

H E A L T H

How Much Should I Worry About Toxic Shock Syndrome If I Use Tampons? via The Cut

My Daughter’s Illness Completely Changed My Perspective on Vaccines via Mom.me

Treating Anxiety in Children via New York Times

She finally had a baby naturally — with a 24-year-old frozen embryo. via Washington Post

Birth Control Pills Protect Against Cancer, Too via New York Times

What the Gardasil Testing May Have Missed via Slate

Parents giving children alcohol too young, researchers say via BBC

For Children, A Good Booger Joke Helps The Medicine Go Down via NPR

E D U C A T I O N

The World Might Be Better Off Without College for Everyone via The Atlantic

P A R E N T I N G

8 essential ‘body safety’ rules to keep your kids safe via Motherly

Why I Didn’t Leave the City When I Had Kids via Well Rounded NY

Focusing on how girls look sends an unfortunate message. via Psychology Today

75 Percent of Super High Achievers Come From Troubled Families. Here’s Why via Inc.

Why kids need to know their family history via Salon

7 Most Powerful Ways to Get an Emergency Dose of Family Connection via Happy You Happy Family

My kids won’t wear coats no matter how cold it is. And it’s making me crazy. via Washington Post

Why Tired Mothers Stay Up So Late via Her View from Home

Poo, nits and handsy dads: what childcare professionals really think about your kids via The Guardian

The 20 biggest differences between British and American styles of parenting via Business Insider