đThe Rise of the Kid-Driven Vacation
Plus, are our kids really struggling more?
Jed Baker
December 14, 2025
đ TRENDING
Are Our Kids Really Struggling More? What Parents Across the Country Are Saying
A new national report from the University of Michigan shows something many parents have been feeling for a while: childrenâs physical and mental health just doesnât seem to be trending in the right direction. Most parents surveyed said they believe kids today are struggling more than previous generations â not only with mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and self-esteem, but also with everyday wellness habits like sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Social media and screen time topped the list of concerns, especially for parents of teens, who worry about online pressure, comparison culture, and constant digital noise.
Parents of younger kids were more likely to focus on learning difficulties, attention issues, and the challenge of managing screens without feeling like the âbad guy.â Across the board, families also expressed frustration with the cost and availability of mental-health services, saying itâs harder than ever to get the support kids need. The report paints a picture of parents doing their best to navigate an environment where technology, stress, and lifestyle habits all compete for their childâs well-being. And despite these challenges, most parents said theyâre eager for more practical tools, guidance, and community support to help their kids stay healthy in a changing world.
As parents take in these findings, itâs worth pausing to think about what this means in our own homes. What small, doable changes â whether around screen habits, daily routines, or family conversations â could help support our kidsâ emotional and physical well-being? And how can we open judgment-free, ongoing conversations with our children about the pressures they face, both online and offline, so they feel heard rather than lectured?
In the end, this report is less about fear and more about awareness. Parents everywhere are navigating a fast-moving world, and even small shifts in connection, routine, and support can make a meaningful difference. By staying tuned in and working together, we can help our kids feel stronger, healthier, and more supported as they grow.
đ KID TECH WE LOVE
Give the Gift of Connection (Without the Worry)
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Unlike adult phones with complicated controls or super-restrictive alternatives, Pinwheel grows with your child, unlocking features as they demonstrate responsibility. It's personal technology that actually helps your family build healthy digital habits together.
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Learn more at Pinwheel.
đ FAMILY TRAVEL
The Rise of the Kid-Driven Vacation: How Gen Alpha Chooses Where We Go
Generation Alpha, the cohort born in the 2010s through the mid-2020s, is shaping how families plan and experience vacations. According to a recent Hilton survey spotlighted by Parents, around 70% of parents now let their kids help pick destinations, restaurants, and even hotels, reflecting how tech-savvy and curious todayâs youngest travelers have become. Involving kids in these decisions not only boosts excitement for the trip itself but also fosters teamwork, confidence, and shared family memories that go beyond the typical sightseeing itinerary.
Whatâs more, this trend doesnât mean parents are missing out on relaxation; more than half still carve out âadult timeâ during family getaways, balancing fun with much-needed downtime. By embracing children as active participants rather than passive passengers, family travel is evolving into a more collaborative and meaningful experience for everyone. As we plan future adventures, how can we better include and empower even the youngest voices in travel planning, and what unforgettable experiences could that spark for your family? Let us know what you think!
đ TLDR
Why You Should Embrace Boredom in Lockdown
Boredom isnât something to instantly âfixâ for kids â sitting with it can help them build patience, self-direction, and comfort with their own thoughts.How Much Sleep Do Babies and Kids Need?
Sleep needs change by age, and consistently hitting those ranges supports kidsâ mood, learning, and overall health.How to Set Limits on Screen Time
Instead of obsessing over minutes, setting screen boundaries around wellness (sleep, movement, school, relationships) reduces fights and keeps the focus on what screens displace.Chores and Children
Age-appropriate chores can build responsibility and self-esteem while strengthening skills like frustration tolerance and delayed gratification.Kristen Bell Shares Her and Dax Shepard's One Parenting Rule
Kristen Bell says their non-negotiable is modeling conflict repair by apologizing and making up in front of their kids so they can see what resolution looks like.
