Pinterest Parent: Expert Explains Pinterest Parenting Style

These days, it’s easy to aspire to be the “Pinterest parent.” The parenting style raises children with aesthetics and perfectionism in mind, and with its handmade party favors, color-coordinated chore charts, and lunch boxes packed with nutritious (but always crustless) sandwiches, it’s often thought of as the gold standard of parenting.

Not as relaxed as type C parents but not nearly as traditional as tradwives, Pinterest parents make raising children look fun, easy, and, yet somehow, effortless. “They’re the ones who plan ahead, who find joy in crafting family traditions, and who use creativity to build connection,” adolescent mental health expert Caroline Fenkel, DSW, says.

But just because Pinterest parents seem to have it all together on the surface doesn’t mean they actually do. Despite appearances, Pinterest parents likely go through the same struggles as any other parent. Below, Dr. Fenkel explains more on what it means to be a Pinterest parent, and why you don’t have to be good at crafts or baking in order to be considered a good one.

Experts Featured in This Article

Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW, is an adolescent mental health expert and the chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, a treatment program for teens and adults struggling with their mental health.

What Is a Pinterest Parent?

Like a Pinterest board, a Pinterest parent works to have their life perfectly curated. “It’s someone who seems to have all the details of parenting perfectly planned — creative lunch boxes, themed birthday parties, chore charts that double as artwork,” Dr. Fenkel says. But it’s less about Pinterest itself and more about having a “polished, curated approach to parenting,” she adds.

For example, Pinterest parents tend to be organized, creative, and thoughtful. When they spend time with their children, they like to be present in a way that’s fulfilling but also stimulating (think: less screen time, more crafts). “They tend to express love through structure and presentation, whether that’s a color-coded calendar or a handmade costume,” Dr. Fenkel says.

Of course, there are a lot of benefits to being a Pinterest parent. “Kids thrive when they know what to expect,” Dr. Fenkel says. “Whether it’s a consistent bedtime routine or a special Saturday morning ritual, those small anchors help build emotional regulation.”

And while children may not appreciate the perfect snack tray or DIY sandbox you created, it’s the feeling of showing up consistently that is so beneficial, Dr. Fenkel says.

Is Pinterest Parenting the Best Parenting Style?

There’s no right or wrong way to parent. What works for one parent may not work for you, and that’s OK. “Whether you’re a planner, a go-with-the-flow type, or somewhere in between, what matters most is that your child feels safe, loved, and understood,” Dr. Fenkel says.

If you’re a parent who thrives off of organization and structure, Pinterest parenting may be easy for you. But this type of parenting style is not for everyone, and if it doesn’t work for you, that doesn’t make you a bad parent. “Parenting is already a full-time emotional job, and not everyone has the time, energy, or resources to add extra flair,” Dr. Fenkel says. For this reason, she says the goal with your kids should be to think more about being present than perfect.

“Some of the most effective parenting happens in the small, unglamorous moments, like offering a hug after a hard day, listening without judgment, or holding a limit even when it’s hard,” Dr. Fenkel says. “Those things don’t show up on Pinterest, but they matter so much more.”

Whether you do or don’t identify with being a Pinterest parent, rest assured that your child likely won’t remember if their birthday cake was homemade. Instead, they will remember how you made them feel. “Parenting doesn’t need to be picture-perfect,” Dr. Fenkel says. “It just needs to be consistent and genuine.”

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at Popsugar, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.