Magic spells for parenting from experts

It's Sunday and we've got magic spells that will work on your kids, probably, a stain hack from grandma that will work on your Tupperware for sure, and a definitive happiness ranking of the 50 US states.

Author

Greg Sullivan
September 14, 2025 • Est. Reading Time: 8 minutes

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“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
 ― James Baldwin

In this issue...

Parenting tips so powerful, they feel like magic.

Amy Lamare has compiled a list of magical phrases that get your kids to listen and… sorry, one second... Gregory, I said you could play video games after you unloaded the dishwasher, not before… anyway, as I was saying...

These aren’t your average “count to three” tactics. They’re emotional Jedi mind tricks that work because they make your kid feel heard, safe, and respected. According to child psychologist Reem Raouda, kids are more likely to cooperate when they feel connected, and it turns out, a few well-placed words can work wonders.

Read these five phrases, memorize them like your peace depends on it (because it kinda does), and thank Amy later.

How well do you think these parenting tricks work?

Or if you're sans-kiddo, how would they have worked on you?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

And what did we learn?

Check back tomorrow for the results of all of our weekend polling.

7 Ways to Take Control of Your Legacy

Planning your estate might not sound like the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but trust us, it’s worth it. And with The Investor’s Guide to Estate Planning, preparing isn’t as daunting as it may seem.

Inside, you’ll find {straightforward advice} on tackling key documents to clearly spell out your wishes.

Plus, there’s help for having those all-important family conversations about your financial legacy to make sure everyone’s on the same page (and avoid negative future surprises).

Why leave things to chance when you can take control? Explore ways to start, review or refine your estate plan today with The Investor’s Guide to Estate Planning.

Sleep deprivation and happiness are not mutually exclusive.

Wallethub’s latest annual report just dropped, ranking all 50 U.S. states by happiness and the Aloha State claimed the top spot again, despite also leading the nation in not getting enough shut-eye. (Tropical irony, right?)

But let’s be honest, you only want to know two things: where did your state rank, and who came in last?

The report evaluates states across more than 30 metrics, including mental health, economic security, and community connection. The biggest glow-up goes to Nebraska, which leapt into third place thanks to low depression rates and ample leisure time, despite working more hours than most of the country. Hard work pays off apparently.

In this story by Ryan Reed, you’ll find out whether your state made the top 10 or if it wound up at the bottom of the barrel.

60 seconds to spotless Tupperware

Why is every piece of Tupperware in my house stained in orange sadness from last month’s spaghetti night? I only used one dish! Still, thanks to a grandma-approved TikTok tip, there's a ridiculously simple way to bring your plastic back to life.

In a now-classic clip, TikToker Ariganja (@ariganja) shares a trick passed down from her friend’s grandmother that’s blowing minds for its simplicity. The method? Dish soap, hot water, torn paper towel pieces, and a vigorous shake. That’s it. Sixty seconds later: no stains, no scrubbing, no waste.

As Adam Albright Hanna highlights in this story from the GOOD vault, it’s not just about cleaner containers; it’s a subtle rebellion against our throwaway culture. Because when a grandma's hack can beat plastic stains and help the planet, that’s the kind of domestic sorcery we can get behind.

Do you have something GOOD to share?

We’re always on the lookout for uplifting, enlightening, and engaging content to share with readers like you. If you have something you think should be featured in the Daily GOOD, let me know!

💬 From the group text…

Look, sir, if you build a trap door in your house… I mean… what did you expect to happen?

Until tomorrow, may your children heed your every word… and if they don’t, may the trap door work as intended.