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Introduction: Co-Parenting in the Digital Age Is More Than a Hashtag

In today’s world, co-parenting in the digital age isn’t just about school schedules and holiday swaps. It’s also about screen time, online privacy, and social media sharing. As more of parenting takes place in digital spaces, some families are struggling to stay on the same page, especially when it comes to posting about their kids online. A recent, very public example is the evolving situation between singer Halle Bailey and YouTuber/rapper DDG, and their baby boy, Halo.

Their story highlights a bigger issue: how do co-parents navigate sharenting in a way that respects each other, protects their child, and still allows them to stay connected? It’s not always easy. But as more parents go through separations or co-parent from different households, these conversations are becoming more important than ever.

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A post shared by Halle Bailey (@hallebailey)

Background: Baby Halo and a Family in the Spotlight

Halle Bailey and DDG welcomed their son, Halo, in December 2023. Though they initially kept the pregnancy and birth private, the couple later began sharing glimpses of family life, including sweet vacation photos. The first time fans got to see Halo’s face was in a series of Instagram posts Halle shared in March 2024, which quickly went viral.

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A post shared by Halle Bailey (@hallebailey)

Since then, however, things have taken a more complicated turn. Halle and DDG’s relationship reportedly ended, and they are now involved in legal proceedings over custody and parental rights.

Disagreements About Digital Boundaries

In July 2024, Halle Bailey filed for legal and physical custody of Halo. According to reports, she asked the court for permission to make decisions regarding Halo’s education and healthcare.

• Read more about Halle’s custody request
• Temporary custody ruling

DDG responded publicly in a now-deleted YouTube video, saying he felt like a “nanny” who gets to see his son only under strict conditions. He also expressed frustration over feeling left out of key parenting decisions, including how and when Halo is shown online.

• DDG shares his side

Most recently, in June 2025, DDG filed an emergency court motion asking a judge to prevent Halle from travelling internationally with Halo—specifically to Italy, where Halle had upcoming work obligations. He also attempted to further limit her custodial authority, citing concerns about Halo’s safety and alleging emotional harm. However, the court denied his request, stating there was insufficient evidence to restrict Halle’s custodial rights or her travel plans. The judge’s decision reaffirmed her ability to parent and make decisions for Halo in a way that respects both their privacy and well-being.

• DDG asks the court to block travel
• Judge denies travel ban request

What This Tells Us About Co-Parenting and Sharenting

The Halle-DDG situation isn’t unique. Many parents navigating co-parenting in the digital age struggle to align on boundaries, especially when they have different values, levels of fame, or relationships with social media. But their story gives us some helpful reminders.

1. Talk About Sharenting Early

Even before a child is born, it helps to have a conversation about how (or if) you’ll share them online. What platforms will you use? Will you show their face? These are decisions best made together, not in court.

2. Keep the Focus on the Child

The most important question isn’t “What do I want to post?” but “How will this affect my child?” When co-parents put the child’s well-being first, it’s easier to make choices that feel respectful to everyone.

3. Be Clear About Consent

Even though babies can’t give consent, both parents should. That means asking each other before posting, especially after a breakup. It’s also good practice for when your child is older and can start expressing their own preferences.

4. Set Boundaries with Friends and Family

Sharenting disagreements often go beyond the parents themselves. Grandparents, aunts, and even fans can repost or screenshot content. Having clear boundaries and privacy settings can help prevent problems before they start.

5. Legal Back-Up Might Be Necessary

When respectful communication breaks down, legal action—like what Halle Bailey pursued—may be the only path forward. In those cases, courts will usually consider the child’s best interests, including privacy and safety.

Conclusion: Sharenting Is a Co-Parenting Issue, Too

Mindful sharenting isn’t just for living under the same roof. It’s a powerful tool for co-parents, too. As we’ve seen in the case of Halle and DDG, when parents split, their online values don’t always align. But keeping communication open, staying focused on the child, and building a shared strategy can help families move forward with more care and less conflict.

As co-parenting in the digital age becomes more complex, conversations like this aren’t just helpful. They’re necessary.

Have you considered any of these sharenting lessons for your co-parenting in the digital age?

The post Co-Parenting in the Digital Age: 5 Sharenting Lessons from Halle Bailey and DDG’s Fight Over Baby Halo appeared first on Childhood Central.

What is Positive Parenting?

Positive parenting is parental practices that benefit the full development of children through non-violence, care, recognition, guidance and the establishment of limits (Consejo de Europa, 2006 in Pastor et al. 2015).

In this article, you’ll find the information you need to learn more about positive parenting and gain the confidence to start putting these practices to work.

Parenting Then and Now

For a long time, it was said that parenting was a job without a manual and that once you become a parent, you could just “wing it”.

However, often, “winging it” meant that we borrowed from our own experiences with our parents, or followed instructions from the elders in the family, churches or communities.

While these practices can be intuitive and helpful at times, they may not be in the best interest of our children.

Nowadays, we have a better understanding of child development and what might benefit our children thanks to research, changes in attitudes and laws that protect them from harm.

Researchers studying parental styles have found that some parental practices have been shown to be more effective than others.

For example, parental practices that include warmth, responsiveness and setting boundaries for children are often associated with better child development outcomes (D. Baumrind, 1991).

These are the parental practices that are the foundations of positively parenting children.

What are the Characteristics of Positive Parenting?

Positive parental practices can often be mistaken for permissive parenting. That is, the type of parenting without boundaries and is often characterised by neglect.

Instead, parenting positively involves recognising your children as individuals with their own thoughts and feelings, providing them with love, kindness and compassion, and communicating the rules, expectations and consequences of misbehaviour (UNICEF).

Positive parenting approaches are especially helpful during toddler meltdowns. Learn how to apply them in this guide on managing 3-year-old temper tantrums. It also extends to how we share our children’s lives online. See our guide on sharenting and online boundaries.

When you approach parenting in this way, you can build a mutually respectful relationship with your children, which will increase their confidence and give them important life skills to successfully go through this world (UNICEF).

This is why positive parental practices have been shown to have better outcomes for children.

Here are a few more of its characteristics:

1. Works with children’s strengths instead of picking at their weaknesses
2. Understands children’s developmental needs and responds appropriately
3. Recognises, rewards and reinforces positive behaviours
4. Shows empathy
5. Recognises the child as an individual with rights
6. Builds trust, communication and respect in the parent-child relationship
7. Practices non-violence in the parent-child relationship

Resource

You can also download all our free posters, like the one below, on positive parenting from our free printables page.

Sources:

(2021). Retrieved from nct.org.uk: https://www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/parenting-styles-and-approaches/what-positive-parenting-and-how-it-done

Baumrind D. The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance abuse. Journal of Early Adolescence. 1991;11:56–95. doi: 10.1177/0272431691111004.

NSPCC. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/media/1195/positive-parenting.pdf

Pastor, C., Ciurana, A., Navajas, A., Cojocaru, D., & Vazquez, N. (2015). Positive Parenting: Lessons from Research. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288829235_Positive_Parenting_Lessons_from_Research

UNICEF, Introduction to Positive Parenting

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There are many benefits of paternity leave for new dads and their families. However, data after data shows that some men aren’t taking their entitled paternity leave.

Data from the UK show that only a third (32 per cent) of eligible fathers took paternity leave in 2022.

Considering the many benefits of paternity leave, fathers opting to skip it could be missing out on meaningful opportunities for bonding with their children, fostering greater marriages and improving family dynamics.

This article explores the various benefits of paternity leave and why new fathers should consider taking it.

How Much Paternity Leave Are Fathers Entitled to Around the World?

Paternity leave policies vary significantly across countries. For instance, in Japan, fathers are entitled to up to 120 days of paid leave, and in Jamaica, paid paternity leave is 20 days for all public sector workers. However, in the United States, paternity leave is often unpaid and depends on the employer’s policy.

Understanding your rights and the cultural context of paternity leave can help you make informed decisions about taking time off.

The Top Benefits of Paternity Leave

1. Long-term Positive Impact on Children

Children benefit immensely when their fathers are actively involved from an early age. Research shows that children with engaged fathers perform better in cognitive and social development. Paternity leave provides the perfect opportunity for dads to lay a strong foundation for their child’s future.

2. Time to Bond with Your Child

Paternity leave is a critical period for dads to bond with their newborns. This time allows first-time fathers to get comfortable caring for their babies, giving both parents the chance to adjust to the new family dynamic. During this period, moms can rest and recover from childbirth, while dads learn more about their baby’s needs and personalities.

3. Demonstrate Support for Your Partner

Taking paternity leave strongly conveys that you are committed to sharing parenting responsibilities. It’s a chance for men to show their partners that they are equally invested in the welfare of their children. This support helps to balance the workload and fosters a more cooperative relationship between partners.

4. Foster a Happier Marriage

Couples who share parenting duties tend to have stronger, happier marriages. When both parents feel equally responsible and involved, it builds trust and reduces stress. Paternity leave helps create a balanced dynamic, which is essential for long-term marital satisfaction.

5. Strengthen Family Bonds

Spending quality time with your baby and partner can enhance your relationship with the entire family. This period allows for deeper connections and better understanding among family members. Failing to take advantage of paternity leave can lead to missed opportunities for these precious bonding moments. 

6. Health Benefits for Fathers

Paternity leave can also have significant health benefits for fathers. It offers a break from work stress, promotes mental well-being, and encourages a healthier lifestyle. Fathers who take paternity leave are often more active and can focus on maintaining a balanced diet. These factors contribute to a lower risk of heart disease and improved overall health.

7. Create a Happier Family Life

Paid paternity leave can contribute to a healthier and happier family life. It allows fathers to be present during the crucial early stages of a child’s development, strengthening the father-child bond and supporting the partner. This time together fosters a secure and nurturing environment for the entire family.

Conclusion

Paternity leave offers a multitude of benefits, from bonding with your newborn to enhancing family dynamics and improving personal health. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, more fathers are recognizing the importance of taking time off to support their families. If you’re considering fatherhood or are already a dad, make sure to understand the paternity leave benefits available in your country and take full advantage of them.

The post 7 Essential Benefits of Paternity Leave for New Dads and Families appeared first on Childhood Central.

This is especially true if you are parents to toddlers, dealing with a 3-year-old temper tantrum is no joke.

It’s important to know that children’s misbehaviour is public is normal and quite common. Contrary to popular misconceptions, children’s public meltdowns are not a sign of weak or ineffective parenting.

If you want some great tips on ways to manage your kid’s public meltdowns, watch this short video and continue reading for these easy-to-implement strategies.

What’s the Cause of Kids’ Public Meltdowns?

First things first, before we tackle any problem, we need to make sure we know what could be the cause of the problem.

In the instance of children’s public meltdowns, there could be a lot of contributing factors like tiredness, hunger, stress and or anxiety.

Additionally, some children do not do well in certain social settings, so, as a parent, you need to pay close attention to your child’s mood and the type of situations that may cause your child to be more irritable than usual.

Managing your kid’s public meltdown requires the first step of understanding what is triggering your child’s behaviour which will let you know how to deal with the problem.

How to Manage Your Kid’s Public Meltdown?

We have come up with some helpful strategies from Psychologist, Dr. Kai Morgan, on how to deal with children’s public meltdowns. For more about this topic and Dr. Morgan, please read here. 

1. Stay Calm
2. Be Gentle but Firm
3. Wait Out the Tantrum
4. Do Not Give in to the Tantrum
5. Communicate with Your Child
6. Plan Ahead

Did you find these tips helpful? Have you tried any of these before or perhaps you have some tips that didn’t make our list? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts.

The post How to Manage Your Kid’s Public Meltdowns: 6 Expert Strategies appeared first on Childhood Central.

This video article gives you 6 practical tips on how to raise money-smart kids that you can start right now.

What is Financial Literacy?

Financial literacy is a set of financial skills that helps you understand and manage your money effectively and includes personal financial management skills, budgeting and investing.

Why is Important to Raise Money-Smart Kids?

If you want your kids to become financially responsible adults, break the cycle of poverty and not repeat your financial mistakes, it’s better to teach them good money habits when they are young.

Many adults often find themselves in difficult financial situations when they don’t manage their money, budget or meet with a financial planner.

In fact, data from the USA show that 42% of adults worry about meeting their daily expenses as of 2020. Meanwhile, 40% were concerned about their financial status, and 37% reported they were just getting by financially.

For more financial literacy statistics click here. 

The problem is many people didn’t learn about good money management strategies. Unfortunately, being smart with money is not typically taught in school.

Therefore, as parents, it’s your responsibility to raise financially responsible kids.

Here are 6 Tips on How to Raise Money-Smart Kids

Whether you’re at the beginning stage of your financial literacy journey or more advance with your financial literacy, here you will find 6 practical tips on how to raise children who are good with money.

1. Start Early Saving to Get Good with Money
2. Teach Money Management and Budgeting
3. Teach Financial Responsibility to Raise Money-Smart Kids
4. Money-Smart Kids Know the Value of Money
5. Talk about Financial Topics with Your Kids
6. Read More Financial Literacy Books

The post 6 Actionable Tips on How to Raise Money-Smart Kids appeared first on Childhood Central.

Photo credit: Pexels.com

Do you know what is huffing?

Your kid’s abuse of substances might be closer to home than you think. It might even start earlier than you imagine.

In this article, you’ll find out what huffing is, what its effects are and how the spot the warning signs that your kids are abusing inhalants.

What is Huffing?

Huffing is another term used for inhalant abuse. It could be happening under your nose in your home and is dangerous for your kids.

Inhalant abuse is the inhaling of volatile household products or substances also called inhalants to get high.

What are Inhalants?

Inhalants are substances inhaled through the mouth or nose. Inhalants can be categorised as solvents, aerosol sprays, gases and nitrites. They are typically products found in the house or workplace and may include spray paint, gas, glue, markers, paint thinner, cleaning products and even nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas).

Inhalants are popular among teens because they have a psychoactive effect and they are easy to access. The substances are inhaled by huffing, sniffing, snorting or bagging. The high from the inhaled substances are not long-lasting and users risk overdose through repeated and frequent use. 

Statistics on Huffing

According to a National Survey in America, 21.7 million children aged 12 years old and over have used inhalants in their lifetime. Additionally, research shows that after marijuana, inhalants were the second most widely used drugs for 8^th and 10^th Graders; and the third most widely used drug for 12^th Graders.

Children with family issues, depression and from a disadvantaged background are more likely to abuse inhalants. There was no difference noted between girls and boys who used inhalants. The most common inhalants used by children are glue, shoe polish, toluene, gasoline, lighter fluids and spray paint.

Research also found that inhalant abuse is linked to depression, antisocial behaviour, suicidality and later drug use. Inhalant abuse before 16 years old was a predictor of later heroin use.

What are the Effects of Huffing?

Teenagers typically use inhalants because they are accessible and they underestimate the serious effects of huffing. However, substance abuse like huffing can cause irreversible damage or death to the user. Some of the common serious effects of huffing are:

1. brain damage
2. organ damage (liver, kidney, and heart)
3. lead poisoning
4. Foetal damage (if done during pregnancy)
5. Heart attack
6. Death

How do you know if your child is abusing inhalants?

It is important to pay attention to your kids, their behaviour, attitudes and physical appearance to give you warning signs that they are abusing inhalants. If you suspect your child is huffing, bagging, sniffing or inhaling substances, look for the following signs:

1. The smell of chemicals on their breath or clothes
2. Paint or other substance stains on their face, hands and/or clothes.
3. Hidden empty spray or solvent containers
4. Hidden rags, clothing or other fabrics soaked with chemicals
5. They seem drunk or disoriented
6. They have slurred speech
7. They are nauseous or have lost their appetite
8. Changes in their behaviour or concentration, including, irritability, lack of coordination, inattentiveness and/or depression

How to Prevent Inhalant Abuse?

“Prevention is better than cure”. That’s what my grandmother used to say. And this is still very true today, especially, in the case of inhalant abuse. Preventing your kids from using volatile substances could prevent brain damage and death, not to mention on your part, years of worry and heartache. Here are some ways to prevent inhalants abuse:

1. Talk to your kids about the dangers of this practice. Let them know about how the chemicals they are sniffing can affect their brain or health.

2. Keep household products who know that can be used as inhalants out of your children’s reach.

3. Monitor the usage of common household products and not any changes in your kid’s behaviour if you suspect their abuse these products.

4. Seek help and speak to a professional if you suspect that your child is abusing substances.

Final Word on Huffing

Inhalant abuse or huffing is drug abuse. Besides, the potential effects which include organ damage and possible death, huffing can lead to abuse of hard drugs in later life.

If you think your child is abusing inhalants, you must get help as soon as possible. There are many resources available for parents who suspect their children are huffing or sniffing glue or paint.

The post What is Huffing? The Danger Under Your Nose appeared first on Childhood Central.

The benefits of positive parenting are enormous for child development.

Positive parenting is parental practices that are directed to the full development of children through non-violence, care, recognition, guidance and the establishment of limits (Consejo de Europa, 2006 in Pastor et al., 2015).

Research has consistently shown that positive parenting benefits children both in childhood and adulthood because in positive parenting, children are recognised and their rights are respected.

Parental practices that are characterised by warmth and responsiveness towards children, high expectations, rules and boundary setting, and effective discipline have been shown to improve outcomes for children.

Typically, this parenting style is authoritative parenting and it has been effective in better outcomes for children.

Benefits of Positive Parenting

As researchers continue to associate the links between positive parenting and better outcomes for children, here are some benefits of positive parenting.

1. Decreases children’s externalising behaviours

Positive parenting interventions have been shown to decrease children’s externalising behaviour.

For example, in one study, parents reported a decrease in children’s problem-externalising behaviours after a web-based positive parenting training (Jones, et al., 2014).

Child externalising behaviours are behavioural problems in which the child acts out negatively on his or her environment. 

Additionally, child externalising behaviours are major risk factors for antisocial behaviours, violence and crime in adulthood (Liu, 2004). Consequently, it is in everyone’s interest to improve parent-child relations through effective parenting.

2. Provides emotional safety for children

Parental practices that provide an environment where children’s needs are consistently met with care, communication, and respect facilitate the development of strong parent-child relationships.

As a result, strong parent-child relationships nurture secure attachment for children. Effectively, children develop trust in their parents so that they can consistently rely on them for physical and emotional safety  (Johnson, 2020).

3. Teaches children accountability and responsibility

Parental practices that manage or regulate child behaviour, either through enforcing demands and rules, with effective disciplinary strategies, an appropriate amount of which, has been shown to positively affect children’s development (Kuppens & Ceulemans, 2019).

As an example, research shows that home environments with firm and responsive parents who show mutual respect for their children produce more successful adults (Zhong, et al., 2016).

4. Fosters children’s self-confidence

Similarly, responsive parenting fosters children’s positive self-belief, esteem and confidence.

5. Positively impacts children’s development

The risks of children’s social, behavioural and developmental delay are significantly reduced when parents engage in positive parenting.

A research study found that children whose parents participated in reading to them or storytelling 1-3 per week were at significantly lower risk of developmental delays than children whose parents did not read to them (Cprek, Williams, Asaolu, Alexander, & Vanderpool, 2015).

6. Protects children’s mental health and wellbeing

Finally, positive family environments protect children even in the face of childhood adversity and are associated with adult resilience.

A study also showed that positive parenting impacts mental health and improved coping in later life (Zhong, et al., 2016).

Resource

Sources

Cprek, S. E., Williams, C. M., Asaolu, I., Alexander, L. A., & Vanderpool, R. C. (2015). Three Positive Parenting Practices and Their Correlation with Risk of Childhood Developmental, Social, or Behavioral Delays: An Analysis of the National Survey of Children’s Health. Matern Child Health J., 19(11), 2403–2411. doi:10.1007/s10995-015-1759-1.

Johnson, B. (2020). Importance of Positive Parenting During the Pandemic. 7(3), 46-49.

Jones, S., Calam, R., Sanders, M., Diggle, P. J., Dempsey, R., & Sadhnani, V. (2014). A PilotWeb Based Positive Parenting Intervention to Help Bipolar Parents to Improve Perceived Parenting Skills and Child Outcomes. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy(42), 283–296. doi:10.1017/S135246581300009X

Kuppens, S., & Ceulemans, E. (2019). Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(1), 168-181. doi: 10.1007/s10826-018-1242-x

Liu, J. (2004). Childhood Externalizing Behavior: Theory and Implications. 17(3), 93-103. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1617081/

Zhong, X., Wu, D., Nie, X., Xia, J., Li, M., Lei, F., . . . Mahendran, R. (2016). Parenting style, resilience, and mental health of community-dwelling elderly adults in China. BMC Geriatrics, 16(135). doi:10.1186/s12877-016-0308-0

The post What are the Benefits of Positive Parenting? 6 Incredible Advantages appeared first on Childhood Central.