Jana Pollack

Boston

A freelance writer who's eating candy. Editorial bylines @Romper, Jenny Mag, @Scarymommy, and TK. Branded bylines everywhere. Formerly @theskimm and @BuzzFeed.

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Articles

Help Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday & Enter For A Chance to Earn An Unforgettable Field Trip

1 month ago | scarymommy.com | Jana Pollack

Parenting|Moms, start your engines. by Jana Pollack2 hours agoFramalicious/ShutterstockAs a parent, traveling with your kids around the U.S. is so special. It’s a chance to watch them see their country in a new way — one that begets endless questions and makes room for meaningful conversations about everything from weather patterns to social ideas to time zones to traditions. In short, there’s nothing like it.
Want To Raise A Kid Who Thrives In The Outdoors? Here’s How One Mom Did It

1 month ago | scarymommy.com | Jana Pollack

Lifestyle|The new 2025 Ford Bronco Sport® SUV helps, as your home away from home. by Jana Pollack3 hours agoGetting out of the house for a family activity feels like a tall order these days, especially when it’s so easy to default to parallel scrolling time. But getting outside with the fam isn’t just great for physical and mental health: it’s a great way to make memories. Just ask content creator Kay Apkan, aka @themomtrotter, who has turned a passion for family travel into a career.
6 Ways To Create A Positive Gaming Environment For Your Child

1 month ago | romper.com | Jana Pollack

Ready for a surprising fact? Moderate amounts of playing video games can actually be good for kids. That’s because time spent playing games is generally about solving a puzzle, engaging in friendly competition, or socializing with friends — all things we tend to encourage our kids to do. Fortunately for parents, many gaming companies take a proactive approach to building experiences that are both fun and safe. Take Epic Games, for example.
This Is About To Become Your New Fridge Staple & You Can Find It In The Yogurt Aisle

1 month ago | bustle.com | Jana Pollack

WellnessYou’ll really hit it off. by Jana PollackMarch 3, 2025RossHelen/ShutterstockAs human adult women, it feels like you can make a hundred decisions in a day: Picking an outfit that’ll keep you from being too hot or too cold (for the record, this is nearly impossible), deciding which emails to tackle first and which to leave for later, or landing on better-for-you food options for morning, noon, and night without sacrificing flavor. It can all feel like a lot.
3 Skincare Sets To Shop For Every Type Of Guy In Your Life

1 month ago | bustle.com | Jana Pollack

ShoppingLet’s hear it for the boys. Written by Jana PollackFeb. 27, 2025Tell us if this sounds familiar: You and your partner are winding down for the night. You arrange your go-to skincare products in a line and begin your five-step routine. He heads to bed without even washing his face. Or what about this one?: You get lunch with a guy friend and can’t focus on your burger because you’re too distracted by his overgrown lumberjack beard that’s in desperate need of some TLC.
This New 3-in-1 Travel System Has Some Seriously Smart Features For Parents & Baby

2 months ago | scarymommy.com | Jana Pollack

Parenting|The perfect stroller + car seat combo does exist. by Jana Pollack12 hours agoEvenfloI vividly remember the first time I took my son for a drive by myself. He was a few weeks old, and I finally felt ready to leave the house with him unaccompanied by another adult. I carefully strapped him into his car seat, adjusted my postpartum sweatpants, and started the car. So far, so good. I was making the turn out of our neighborhood — and feeling pretty proud of myself — when he started to wail.
Do Babies With RSV Sleep Longer?

Dec 13, 2024 | romper.com | Jana Pollack

“When you’re sick, rest is best” isn’t just a sweet Daniel Tiger lyric. As a certified overly-anxious mom, it’s also what I have to remind myself whenever my 4 year old comes down with something and I start to worry that he’s been conked out too long. Against my better instincts, I’ve been known to consider waking him, even when it’s obvious his body is getting much-needed rest. With sleep and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it can be hard to know what’s normal, and when to worry.
The Top 3 Holiday Gifts For Toddlers That'll Unlock The Joy Of Infinite Play

Dec 5, 2024 | scarymommy.com | Jana Pollack

There’s something so magical about seeing your little one deeply engaged in play: their brow furrowed in concentration; their mouth moving as they silently narrate to themselves. Even better is, after bedtime, finding the toys carefully placed in specific setups — it’s a peek into their world and all that they’re exploring. That’s why, when it comes to play in those formative years, offering the right toys is so important. And there’s no better option than PLAYMOBIL JUNIOR.
The Great We-Don't-Do-Santa Debate

Dec 3, 2024 | romper.com | Jana Pollack

I have a vision of the Christmas that I want for my kid. It’s warm and twinkly. It’s got a tree and many meaningful ornaments. It involves good smells and big meals and baking. It features wild excitement and anticipation, can’t-wait-for-morning feelings, and lots of presents. But ideally, I’d love if it could exclude one little tiny minor thing: Santa. My son, Lou, is 4 years old, and until recently we had successfully avoided the subject, but this year, the questions started.
This Welch’s Fruit Snacks Stunt Is Going To Make Your Holiday Road Trip So Much Sweeter

Nov 22, 2024 | scarymommy.com | Jana Pollack

Before I became a parent, I pictured festive family road trips as a chill, fun way to travel, see loved ones, and enjoy watching the world go by. I thought we’d listen to audiobooks, sing together, and play car games. I thought it’d be a breeze. I got a few things right (we do sing together! we do play car games!), but I failed to imagine the sheer amount of work that goes into packing the car, keeping everyone entertained, and staying on top of on-the-go potty breaks.