Jessica Hartman crafts lifestyle articles for Home Insemination Kit, aiming to assist parents in finding a sense of personal peace while fostering a joyful home environment. She recognizes that insights from fellow parents and experts can guide individuals in making informed choices, determining what truly matters, and becoming the parents and partners they aspire to be. This exchange of experiences can also alleviate that nagging doubt of “am I the only one facing this challenge?” More often than not, the answer is no, you’re not alone!
Jessica served as the Entertainment Editor for Parents magazine for a decade, where she secured high-profile celebrity features, edited diverse content ranging from gardening tips to financial advice, and frequently appeared on morning television shows. Prior to that, she spent ten years as the Senior Lifestyle Editor at American Baby magazine. With approximately 25 years of experience evaluating and reviewing toys and baby products, if she glances at your stroller brand, she’s not judging—she’s just gathering insights. (She continues to evaluate baby gear at the Good Housekeeping Institute.) Jessica holds degrees in journalism and world literature from Penn State, graduating from the Schreyer Honors College.
Now with her children stepping into (very) young adulthood, Jessica often relies on friends to let her hold their babies. She enjoys capturing photos of her two cats, her modest patio flower garden, and her bakery creations, and finds joy in traveling with her family.
A Little Proactivity Goes A Long Way
These 7 Affordable Finds From Amazon Extend the Lifespan of Your Appliances
By Jessica L. Hartman
You invest a lot in household appliances like the refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven, and naturally, you want them to endure—ideally until the kids are grown!
For The LGBT-Queue
17 Movies & Shows to Enjoy with Your Queer Teen
By Jessica L. Hartman
A trio of LGBTQ+ 21-year-olds assisted me in compiling this list.
“Snap out of it!”
36 Years Later, Moonstruck Remains a Surprisingly Modern, Gen-Z-Friendly Love Story
By Jessica L. Hartman
This Oscar-winning film still holds its charm.
Raising Resilient Kids
What Should My Kids Actually Be Afraid Of?
By Jessica L. Hartman
While we aim to reduce anxiety, some fears are healthy. Author and mother Farnoosh Torabi weighs in.
Facing the Judges
8 Things Millennial Parents Do That Boomers Just Don’t Understand
By Jessica L. Hartman
Your parenting techniques (and your children’s lives) will differ significantly from your parents’ experiences.
Creature Feature
What Your Pet’s Name Reveals About Your Family
By Jessica L. Hartman
Every name, even those of pets, comes with a story.
Raising Respectful Kids
My Child Came Out as Nonbinary, Then Trans — How Can I Explain This to My Young Niece?
By Jessica L. Hartman
A script would have made the initial conversation easier, so I consulted experts for advice on discussing gender fluidity with children.
Music to Your Ears
A Dozen Music-Festival-Inspired Names for Your Baby
By Jessica L. Hartman
If all-day live music events bring you joy, consider naming your baby something that embodies that happiness.
“What. Is. Happening.”
How Can I Get My Son to Stop Leaving the Bathroom in a Mess?
By Jessica L. Hartman
If you’re fed up with scrubbing a soiled toilet pedestal, this article is for you.
You Get Me
Why Teens Need a Pet — And It’s Not Just to Teach Responsibility
By Jessica L. Hartman
Experts assert that the “emotional support animal” phenomenon is real.
Bookmark These
25 Parents Share the Most Surprising — Yet Best — Advice They’ve Received
By Jessica L. Hartman
People share countless tips when you’re expecting or have a newborn. Here, parents reveal the advice that truly resonated with them.
“You’re Making Me This Way”
Yes, Your Teen Is Gaslighting You — Here Are the Warning Signs, According to Psychologists
By Jessica L. Hartman
Raise your hand if your teen (or preteen!) has accused you of being “crazy” or “paranoid.”
Numbers Game
Should You Withdraw Your Child from Standardized Testing? Weighing the Pros and Cons
By Jessica L. Hartman
Once anti-testing, I now believe it depends on the child and the family.
What About Jack or Diane?
17 Nostalgic Baby Names Inspired by Gen X
By Jessica L. Hartman
These names carry serious nostalgia, harkening back to times before the new millennium.
Fighting Words
A Family Member is Body-Shaming Your Child. How Do You Address It?
By Jessica L. Hartman
Virginia Sole-Smith, author of Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture, offers crucial talking points for dealing with certain relatives.
Middle-School Milestones
3 Life Skills Tweens Should Master Before High School
By Jessica L. Hartman
An informal list of essential skills your child should acquire from fifth to eighth grade, before entering high school.
In summary, Jessica L. Hartman writes engaging and informative lifestyle articles aimed at supporting parents in their journey. She draws from her extensive experience in parenting media, focusing on relatable topics and expert insights that resonate with families today. For more on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the Cleveland Clinic.