The Livewire

Sleep

Do You Have to Start Sleep Training Early? Research Says No

Macall Gordon M.A. on November 10, 2025

Parents are told to start sleep training early—or else. Does the research actually support the urgency? The evidence may surprise you.

Parents are told to start sleep training early—or else. Does the research actually support the urgency? The evidence may surprise you.

Parenting

Evidence-Based Alternatives to Ferber in Sleep Training

Macall Gordon M.A. on August 13, 2025

Ferber is considered the only option for sleep training, but parents mostly hate it and it doesn't always work. There is an effective, gradual, don't-have-to-leave alternative.

Ferber is considered the only option for sleep training, but parents mostly hate it and it doesn't always work. There is an effective, gradual, don't-have-to-leave alternative.

Parenting

“Colic Breaks You": The Reality of Colic and Its Toll on Moms

Macall Gordon M.A. on May 5, 2025

Though often dismissed as “normal,” colic can be traumatic, leaving lasting effects on a mother's mental health and confidence.

Though often dismissed as “normal,” colic can be traumatic, leaving lasting effects on a mother's mental health and confidence.

Parenting

The Startling Rate of Burnout in Parents of Spirited Kids

Macall Gordon M.A. on March 1, 2025

A survey on burnout among parents of intense/sensitive young children revealed some startling statistics. Learn some key ways to prevent and address parental burnout.

A survey on burnout among parents of intense/sensitive young children revealed some startling statistics. Learn some key ways to prevent and address parental burnout.

Parenting

What’s It Like to Have an Intense, Fussy, Alert Baby?

Macall Gordon M.A. on January 17, 2025

The experience of parenting a challenging baby—alert, hard to soothe, harder to settle—is fundamentally different from parenting an easy baby. Some of those ways may surprise you.

The experience of parenting a challenging baby—alert, hard to soothe, harder to settle—is fundamentally different from parenting an easy baby. Some of those ways may surprise you.

Sleep

What We Don’t Know About Temperament and Sleep Training

Macall Gordon M.A. on December 19, 2024

About 20% of parents have a child who is “a handful.” Though this is a known contributor to problematic sleep, temperament is not considered in sleep training research.

About 20% of parents have a child who is “a handful.” Though this is a known contributor to problematic sleep, temperament is not considered in sleep training research.

Child Development

Are There Upsides to a Difficult Infant Temperament?

Macall Gordon M.A. on November 19, 2024

A “difficult” infant temperament is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, but are there positive traits that might accompany them? So far, no one has asked the question.

A “difficult” infant temperament is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, but are there positive traits that might accompany them? So far, no one has asked the question.