6 criteria for quality parenting content (and tips for finding it)
You'll be inspired to purge your feed tonight.
We know the parenting content space is mostly sucky. But not all of it.
Read my thoughts on this in Issue #1: "Welcome to parenthood! Here's a bunch of uninspired memes."
This issue will focus on “the good” and how to spot the diamonds in the rough. (It’s not that hard; you know it when you see it. Kind of like that poop stain on the carpet). 💎
What makes good parenting content?
1. Originality
Too many social media accounts repost memes and infographics from other creators with nothing to add. They flood your discovery page on Instagram and steal all the likes from the OP.
To cut through the BS, look for accounts that use mostly original content or add perspective to the curated stuff.
2. Expertise
Yes, parents are qualified to create content about parenting. But I’m talking about those with professional creds like pediatricians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, etc.
Accounts run by certified childhood and parenting specialists typically provide followers science and data-backed tips, solutions, and advice. Blue checks help ID quality accounts, too. Find one that jives with your parenting philosophies and lean into their resources.
Two examples:
Raising Little Talkers (@raisinglittletalkers) - A speech pathologist who helps parents with baby and toddler language development.
Feeding Littles (@feedinglittles) - A dietitian and OT feeding therapist help parents feel better about the choices they (and their kids) make about food.
3. Quality writing/communication
Whether a blog post or Reels, words matter. If someone can’t communicate a concept well, it’s a no from me, dawg. However, we know typos, spelling mistakes, and fumbles happen (we’ve all been there).
4. Nice-enough graphics
Sorry, but not everyone was destined to be a designer. Tools like Canva make it easy for anyone to create sharable social or blog graphics, but it’s easy to tell when someone doesn’t have *the touch.* Besides, you won’t fool those of us who live in Canva templates.
WE KNOW YOU JUST REPOSTED THAT TEMPLATE WITHOUT CHANGING ANYTHING, JESSICA.
5. Interaction
Does the creator answer questions in the comments? Do they source topics from their followers/subscribers? Is it easy to interact with the content? Does it feel personal even if it’s someone with a big platform?
As a parent, our world feels small when dealing with kid issues. Knowing someone will listen to our story or answer a Q is more valuable than a pretty infographic or IG giveaway.
6. You like it!
Even if all the other boxes are no-gos, if you like an account or blogger, follow them. It’s fine. We’ll live. The internet won’t go to complete shit. It’s fine, really.
How to find a diamond (it’s in the niche)
IMO, the more niche an account while still being relevant to you, the better. Consider yourself warned that the generalists of the parenting content world will mostly post about needing wine, not getting sleep, and having a lazy husband.
The niche parenting groups are where it’s at. Niche accounts usually will be more responsive with interacting and answering specific questions you have (chances are they have a smaller following than the Scary Mommies of the world).
For example, some niches I follow include baby-led weaning, toddler speech development, and gentle parenting.
These type of accounts don’t try too hard to relate with all parenting topics, though they span outside of their niche from time to time. That’s okay! We love that, too.
The beauty of a curated feed means your collection of niche follows will look different than mine.
Maybe you have a child with special needs and find some great content for your family’s diagnosis. Or maybe you’re all about Montessori (what my husband refers to as “Montissori chicken”) and find all the wood-toy-tootin’ accounts possible.
A few of my faves
The criteria above work for internet-based content, but sometimes it can be hard to find good books or newsletter resources. Here are a few that have changed my mindset on pregnancy and parenting that I’d love to share with you. Note most, if not all, of these have social accounts as well.
For any parent who hates wives tales and fake news
First, anything by Emily Oster (did I mention I love her?) - she’s a professor of Economics at Brown University and mom. She has dedicated her career to helping parents make better, data-backed decisions from pregnancy onwards. Her books:
Expecting Better - amazingness for preggos (like why you can probably eat sushi and lunch meat)
Cribsheet- for late pregnancy and newborn+ parents
Family Firm- for school-aged families (I haven’t read this one yet since it’s too early for us but I know it’s a good one!)
Emily has a must-read Substack newsletter, too. Subscribe to ParentData, and I promise it’ll be your second favorite one.
For any working parent
Parentaly’s resources, parent profiles, and newsletters help parents and companies prepare for parental leave and return to work. The in-depth stories from those who have been there, done that, at companies from startups to Google are rich with lessons for other parents growing a family and career.
I’m a little biased on this one — Parentaly is my client, and I help tell these stories (and get inspired every time!)
For to-be-working parents
Nancy Borowick’s book The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, & Big Success After Baby - I recommend this as a maternity leave read for those planning on going back to work after baby (or not sure). It helped me realize how behind the U.S. is with parental leave and why time off MATTERS. Like, really matters. I’ve also used some of the great tips from here when I returned to work, like applying a quick, 3-must-haves makeup routine (BB cream, lipstick, and mascara for me).
For those who want to say no to crappy parenting content
This newsletter! 🙋 Disrupt with me.
What are your favorite parenting accounts?
Share this issue with someone who needs to cleanse their parenting feed.