12 Must Watch TED Talks for Parents. Ask anyone and I can almost guarantee everyone has heard of TED Talks. However, if not, what is TED Talks?

“TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.” –TED.com

Parenting is the most important, and fulfilling job I have ever had. However, it is also the most stressful, exhausting, overwhelming, and difficult job I have ever had. Personally, I know that it can be so uplifting to be reminded that I am not alone. Here are 12 must watch TED Talks for parents when you need a little pick-me-up.

My Top 3 TED Talks for Parents

A New Way to Think About The Transition to Motherhood- Alexandra Sacks

Sometimes we forget that moms are born at the exact same moment that their first child is born. I think that we forget that just because women are made to have children and be moms, that doesn’t mean that it will always come naturally. Alexandra Sacks introduces a word called ” matrescence.” Matrescence is a term to describe the emotional tug of war that women feel when becoming a new mom. This is a wonderful talk for new moms and I know that veteran moms will be nodding their heads in agreement.

For Parents, Happiness is a Very High Bar- Jennifer Senior

The parenting section in a bookstore or on Amazon.com can be anxiety-inducing. Jennifer Senior speaks on why parenting is filled with so much anxiety and offers kinder and more achievable goals that can help alleviate some of the anxiety.

What I’ve Learned About Parenting as a Stay-at-home Dad- Glen Henry

Glen Henry takes the words right out of my mouth when he discusses how it is to be a stay-at-home parent. He uses a wonderful mix of humor, truth, and he pulls on your heartstrings. If you are a stay-at-home parent, this is a great reminder of how amazing you are. You have “superpowers.”

9 More Must Watch TED Talks for Parents

How I Use Minecraft to Help Kids with Autism

Stuart Duncan is a web developer and creator of AutCraft, the first Minecraft server for children with autism. Duncan shares how he created a “safe online environment for play and self-expression for kids who sometimes behave a bit differently than their peers.”

Lessons from the Longest Study on Human Development

Helen Pearson goes over the findings of a British study that went on for over 70 years. In this study, the scientists studied children through their lives to determine why some would end up happy and healthy while others would struggle.

Science Didn’t Understand My Kids Rare Disease until I Decided to Study It

Sharon Terry is a former college chaplain and stay-at-home mom. She took the world by storm when her two children were diagnosed with a rare disease, pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). Terry and her husband become “scientists” for their children, working late nights. This is a moving speech and a great reminder that parents will do anything for their kids.

The World Needs All Kinds of Minds

Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works, by “thinking in pictures.” I was lucky enough to hear Grandin speak at my college a few years ago. She is so inspiring and a great reminder that we should never put limits on our children.

Let’s Talk Parenting Taboos

Rufus Griscom and Alisa Volkman are a husband and wife publishing team of Babble.com. This is a hilariously accurate talk on things parents “shouldn’t” say, but need to say.

The US Needs Paid Family Leave- For The Sake of Its Future

Jessica Shortall is an author and working mom to two. In this Talk, Shortall gives a passionate speech on the reality of new working motherhood in America. Shortall argues that “the time has come for us to recognize the economic, physical and psychological costs of our approach to working mothers and their babies, and to secure our economic future by providing paid leave to all working parents.”

A Father-Daughter Bond, One Photo At A Time

Steve Addis tells the story of his special bond with his daughter through pictures. When his daughter was only 1, his wife snapped a picture of them on a corner in New York City. The image turned into an annual tradition for him and his daughter. Addis and his daughter pose for the same picture, on the same corner, each year.

Remember to Say Thank You

Dr. Laura Trice is a life coach and counselor. In this short TED Talk, Trice speaks on the power of saying “thank you.” This is a great reminder that life is short and you need to make sure that people know what they mean to you.

Every Kid Needs a Champion

Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, gives an inspiring talk to inspire educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.

In closing, I hope you find these 12 must watch TED Talks for parents both inspiring and stimulating. Do you have any TED Talks that you think should be added to this list? I would love to read about them in the comments.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31