Modern kitchens are pretty epic in the historical scheme of things. We have refrigerators that dispense ice, cold water, and even hot water. We have faucets that turn on and off with a touch. We have garbage disposals, automatic trash-can lids, and pot-filling faucets over stoves, all manner of modern conveniences that might make us assume that today’s kitchens are superior to every era that came before. In some ways, they are. But a video from the National Archives demonstrating the features of a 1949 step-saving kitchen design has some of us rethinking just how much. The video was put out by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Home Economics division and it details every part of this efficient kitchen design: No wonder kitchens from that era feel small compared to most new homes today. Modern kitchens tend to be sprawling but far less functional. This design may be small, but it’s mighty. The movie itself is a bit of a time capsule, not only in the cabinetry and clothing styles, but in the clear assumption that only women would be using the kitchen. On one hand, it’s great that work traditionally viewed as “women’s work” became the focus of innovation aimed at making life easier. On the other hand, it’s interesting to see how much has changed around gender roles since the 1940s. So why did the government make this video? But why did the government even make a video like this in the first place? Why would the government even care about kitchen design? It all began with a push for science and innovation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As food historian Sarah Wassberg Johnson wrote, “This kitchen design is the culmination of several decades of work studies. During the Progressive Era, American interest in science began to increase, and scientific theories were applied to everything from factories to households. The Efficiency Movement was part of this application of scientific principles to everyday life. Led by mechanical engineer Frederick Winslow Taylor, the movement posited that everyday life, from industry to government to households, were plagued by inefficiencies, which wasted time, energy, and money.” This movement, known as “Taylorism,” spilled over into the home economics movement, which eventually became of interest to the U.S. government. A USDA report published in 1948 explained the push for efficient kitchen design: “To help homemakers reduce time and work involved in kitchen activities, the Bureau is designing and preparing construction drawings for kitchens, with different arrangements of equipment: the U, L, broken U and L, and parallel-wall types of arrangement. They are designed to reduce walking, stooping, and stretching to a minimum, in accordance with accepted principles of work simplification.” And that’s how we ended up with this glorious video. I would give anything to have a kitchen like this. Ladies…what do you think? pic.twitter.com/UoMeS9xkSk— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) December 1, 2025 People are obsessed with this old design Many people cheered for the features of this nearly 80-year-old kitchen design: “Wow! That is an amazing well thought out kitchen. And we think we are modern today. That kitchen was has way more features than our kitchen today!” – @TheCrystalLion1 “I say I want an old time kitchen all the time! Everything was so functional.” – @LizSmit97381516 “Yeah, that is pretty amazing! I would be completely happy with this.” – @TexasAris “I have a garbage pail and potato drawer like this. Love it. Our kitchen is brand new tho. I requested these things. Also a full size pull out pantry, 15 inches wide and 6 ft tall. Hideaway kitchen utensils vertical pullout 6 inches wide, full size microwave drawer. Modern kitchens can be amazing or terrible.” – @NativeNoticer We kept things real clean and, no, that was never a problem – the potatoes and onions were gone through on pretty much a weekly basis. We normally figured 1/2 an onion per person per day and a potato per person. We had a small family. Grandfather, grandmother, Uncle, Mom, myself,…— Danner Foundation (@DannerFoundati1) December 2, 2025 What about the potato and onion bins? Some people have expressed concern about bugs in those potato and onion bins, but someone who grew up in that era noted that potatoes and onions were such daily staples that families went through them quickly: “We kept things real clean and, no, that was never a problem – the potatoes and onions were gone through on pretty much a weekly basis. We normally figured 1/2 an onion per person per day and a potato per person. We had a small family. Grandfather, grandmother, Uncle, Mom, myself, and a kid that no one wanted – 6 people; that is 6 potatoes and 3 onions a day or a 20# bag of each a week. And they were used as hash browns, potato pancakes, baked potatoes, sautéed onions in dishes (all dishes) and of course fried potatoes and french fries. They were pretty much a staple. We also had flour bins, two types – cooking and baking, and also two different kinds of sugar. There was baked bread and a pie or cake every single day and always biscuits. And everything was from scratch. All vegetables were prepared before cooking and did not come from cans and had only when in season, same with fruits. We did can some items but not many.” – @DannerFoundati1 Naturally, times change, the way we use our homes changes, and new innovations often replace the old for good reason. But there may be some things we can learn from an era when function and efficiency were prioritized over Instagrammable spaces. What good is a beautiful kitchen if it’s cumbersome to use? This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated. The post Video of a 1949 kitchen design has people drooling over its brilliant features appeared first on Upworthy.

Thawing permafrost is considered a growing source of greenhouse gases as our climate warms and releases ancient carbon once stored in the frozen soils. But a new study reveals an overlooked plus side: the process will also trigger a removal of emissions from the atmosphere as the landscape thaws. The research, published in the journal […] The post Thawing Permafrost Not Only Emits CO2, It Absorbs it Too, Shows Landmark Study appeared first on Good News Network.

A server’s astute observation and courage to act may have saved an 11-year-old boy’s life, and at the very least, saved him from an abusive home. It’s a good reminder to pay attention, to listen to gut feelings, and not to hesitate to take action when you sense something is terribly wrong. According to CNN, Flaviane Pimenta Carvalho, a server at Mrs. Potato Restaurant in Orlando, Florida, noticed a boy who seemed quiet and distraught while out to dinner with his family in January of 2021. The boy was wearing a mask and a hoodie, and he wasn’t eating with everyone else. Being a mother of a teenager herself, Carvalho felt something wasn’t right. She observed the family and realized they weren’t letting the boy have anything. He also had a scratch on his elbow and was quiet and upset. Here’s how she made contact The server inquired about why the boy was not eating by asking whether the items were okay. However, the family assured her that he would dine at home. “You don’t deny food for a kid, especially in a restaurant,” Carvalho said. She immediately sensed something was worng and wanted to help. Frightened about who the people were and what the situation may be, Carvalho proceeded with caution. “I thought I needed to do something. I could not see him go away without any help,” she recalled. She then sent the boy a first note asking whether he was okay. Discreetly, slipping the note when the parents weren’t looking, she waited at a distance for a response. The boy nodded, “No.” To get a better confirmation before involving the authority, the woman sent another note that sealed the deal. She wrote only 4 words that read, “Do you need help?” The boy immediately nodded yes. As soon as Carvalho got that cue, she notified her boss and immediately dialed 911. What police found was horrifying After the police arrived, they questioned the boy, who complained of child abuse via beatings and being denied food. The parents were held accountable, and on further checking, it was revealed that the two were guilty of several child abuse and neglect allegations. Investigator Erin Lawler, who looked into the case, revealed that the boy was sent to a hospital for further checkups and was found to be tortured and 20 pounds underweight for his age. He told detectives he’d had straps tied around his ankles and neck and was hung upside down from a door, had been struck with a wooden broom, and had been handcuffed and tied to a large moving dolly. “What this child had gone through was torture. I’m a mother and seeing what that 11-year-old had to go through… It shocks your soul,” Lawler remarked. Sharing in a now removed Facebook post, Carvalho revealed that she was obliged to help the boy, seeing his plight. “Because of her, two children… were saved,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said at a press conference. “We probably would have been talking about a potential homicide investigation if she had not intervened when she did.” What happened to the people responsible The boy’s stepfather, Timothy Lee Wilson, was convicted in June of 2022 on false imprisonment, aggravated child abuse with a weapon, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect charges. Two months later, he was sentenced to life in prison, per Orlando News 6. The boy’s mother, Kristen Swann, was found guilty of aggravated child abuse and failure to report child abuse by a household member. After a plea deal, she was sentenced to 364 days in jail with 15 days’ credit for time served. She is also serving a 14-year probation and is prohibited from having contact with her son or any other minors. Carvalho also received an “Everyday Hero” Award from the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children for her courageous act. “I feel that I did what any human being should do and that is to stand up and reach out to help a child in danger,” she said. “I’ll never forget the feeling I had when I saw that little boy. I just knew something wasn’t right.” She added that despite being scared, she pushed herself to look into the matter, and that made all the difference. “Each of us can promise to look after children everywhere. Each of us can make a difference!” This article originally appeared last years. It has been updated. The post Server felt something was ‘off’ about a family with teen boy at diner. Her simple note saved his life appeared first on Upworthy.

From the time they’re aware of the pregnancy, couples make strenuous efforts to plan their parenting. Right from the diet, morals, school and lifestyle choices, parents leave no stone unturned in opting for what’s best. Some of these practices may be influenced by parents’ beliefs, lifestyles, skills and so on. However, not all may be beneficial and recommended for children. Practices that may seem great initially can have unwanted long-term effects. Child psychologist Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge revealed six common habits you want to keep out of your child’s life, per Parade. She urges parents and grandparents to leave out these 6 factors and find alternatives that are more fruitful and efficient. The 6 habits worth breaking 1. Using screentime to keep kids busy A child on an iPad. Photo credit: Canva It’s no secret that screens are a lifesaver when parents are exhausted, cooking dinner, or juggling work and childcare. But relying on them too often comes with downsides. A 2023 Common Sense Media report found that children ages 0–8 now average over 2.5 hours of screen use per day, more than double what it was a decade ago. Research shows this can affect attention span, sleep, mood regulation, and social development. “Children need a variety of play-based activities that foster growth in areas like visual-motor skills, physical exercise, and socialization,” Capanna-Hodge explains. And when screens become a default soother, it can also crowd out precious bonding moments. Try instead: Create a 5-minute “connection ritual” at meals or bedtime (a story, a silly rhyme, a question of the day). Keep a small “quiet kit” nearby — crayons, fidget toys, or mini puzzles. 2. Forgetting that kids learn by watching us A mom showing her child how to play the drum. Photo credit: Canva Kids absorb far more from what we do than what we say. When adults argue harshly, shut down emotionally, or treat others disrespectfully, children internalize those patterns.A 2023 Child Development study found that children’s emotional regulation skills strongly reflect the emotional modeling they see at home.Capanna-Hodge stresses that when conflicts happen—and they will—how parents respond matters. “Demonstrating respectful conflict resolution sets a powerful example,” she notes.Why parents fall into this:Small homes mean no private space. Stress runs high. Many adults are still unlearning the conflict habits they grew up with. Try instead: Narrate your emotions: “I’m frustrated, so I’m taking a breath.” If conflict starts escalating, say out loud: “Let’s pause and try again later.” 3. Letting negativity become a pattern A mom scolding her son. Photo credit: Canva When you combine the financial stress, sleep deprivation, and the expectations of “doing it all” that comes with modern day parenting, patience wears thin, fast. But frequent yelling or criticism can shape a child’s sense of safety and self-worth.“Regularly raising your voice creates an environment of fear, anxiety, and poor stress management,” Capanna-Hodge says. Try instead: Use a whisper voice (kids actually tune in more). Step away for 10 seconds before responding. Offer specific praise: “You tried really hard on that.” 4. Using guilt to influence behavior A mom guilt-tripping her daughter. Photo credit: Canva Guilt-based language often comes from older generational patterns. Many grandparents grew up hearing, “After all I’ve done for you…” and simply repeat what they know. But today’s research is clear: guilt-based parenting can stick with children for life.Multiple studies link guilt-inducing messages to anxiety, people-pleasing, and low autonomy later on.Phrases like “Grandma will be so upset if you don’t…” don’t build responsibility. They build shame. Try instead: Teach accountability: “How can we fix this together?” Validate feelings while redirecting behavior: “You’re upset AND we still need to clean this up.” 5. Inconsistency with rules and discipline A teacher establishing rules to her class. Photo credit: Canva Many parents worry their kids don’t listen, but the issue is often inconsistency, not disobedience. Kids learn best from predictable boundaries. “Inconsistent rules create confusion and insecurity,” Capanna-Hodge says. Research on children with ADHD shows that harsh or inconsistent parenting is linked with more behavior problems, while consistent routines predict better emotional and behavioral outcomes—especially for kids who struggle with attention or self-regulation. Try instead: Post simple, predictable rules on the fridge. Use the same consequence each time for the same behavior. Build a short daily rhythm: snack → play → cleanup → bedtime. 6. Comparing kids to each other Two kids comparing height. Comparison often comes from anxiety. Parents worry their child is “behind” or not meeting milestones. But comparison undermines a child’s confidence and can spark resentment or pressure to overperform.“When grandparents openly compare grandchildren, it diminishes a child’s sense of self-worth,” Capanna-Hodge says. Each child needs space to grow on their own timeline. Try instead: Celebrate individuality: “You’re so curious!” You’re great at building!” Focus on progress, not peers. The good news for tired parents Here’s the hopeful part: none of these negative habits define you as a parent. Every adult slips into patterns they wish they could change. What matters most is noticing, adjusting, and reconnecting. Small shifts, practiced over time, create lifelong impact. And every day is another chance to choose connection over perfection. This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated. The post Child psychologist begs parents to break these 6 common but harmful habits for their kids appeared first on Upworthy.

Last names can reveal a great deal about where a person’s journey began, tracing back multiple generations. It’s one of the reasons people used to be very keen on having a male child to preserve the family name, therefore preserving the lineage. Until more recently, it was expected that nearly all female children would get married as young adults, adopting their husband’s surname. While women still largely take their husband’s last name as their own, more women are choosing to keep their maiden names. Other women are choosing not to marry at all, avoiding the legal paperwork, and instead valuing domestic partnership. But even with slightly fewer women dropping their maiden names, MyHeritage, a global family history platform, notes that a list of surnames is near extinction. The revelation comes after the researchers for the platform reviewed the U.S. Census Bureau database. Here’s how they found these names Researchers were originally looking for last names that have surged in the U.S. and those that have declined. Their discovery was shocking. They found that five last names that were once popular are now on the threatened name list, while 10 surnames are on the endangered list, if such lists existed for last names. That’s 15 names in total that are dwindling so quickly that they may disappear within a few generations if there’s no intervention. Historic encounter between explorers and indigenous people. Photo credit: Canva What names are on the list? While a few are German or Scottish, most of the names on the list are of English origin and may be surprising. We’re starting with the names most vulnerable to complete extinction first. Endangered Surname List Wooledge: Is down to just 90 people who carry that last name. Tuffin: Has just 91 bearers of the last name according to the 2010 census. Zillmann: According to MyHeritage, the surname is the Americanized version of the Dutch and German surname Tillmann, but America is down to 95 individuals who still carry the moniker. Elegant historical portraits of a lady and a gentleman. Photo credit: Canva Ammen: Only 96 people in the U.S. still carry this surname. Rugger: Is also barely hanging on with 96 people claiming this last name as their own. Bevere: This name, possibly of Irish origin, is now down to 97 people still carrying it. Blander: A name of German origin has gone down from 125 to 97 descendants who still possess the name. Summerbell: For a name that sounds fit for a storybook, it’s sad that only 98 people in the U.S. call the name theirs. Yess: This surname decreased from 123 on the 2000 census to just 99. Bouchier: Likely derived from the French word for Butcher, according to MyHeritage, is down to 99. U.S. Census 2020 paperwork ready to be filled out. Photo credit: Canva Threatened Name List Hall: There are still 407,076 people who carry this name. Bell: Folks like the famous Kristen Bell are holding the line for this shrinking surname, with just 220,599 still claiming the name in America. Ball: The last name Ball is getting close to entering endangered status, with just 66,059 people using the last name. Small: Fell by 12.3% between the 2000 and 2010 census. Walters: This seemingly common last name decreased by 14,905. Happy family moments filled with laughter and love. Photo credit: Canva So why are these names disappearing? So what is causing the decrease in surnames? According to Naama Lanski, Researcher at MyHeritage, “Surnames disappear due to a convergence of demographic, social, and historical factors: family lines dying out, high mortality from conflict or disease, societal practices like adopting a spouse’s name, and historical pressures such as assimilation or discrimination. Immigration and administrative errors also altered or erased names permanently.” Lanski explains to Upworthy that doing family research is imperative not only to keep surnames alive but also for understanding the history of our ancestors. Welcoming the newest family member with love and joy. Photo credit: Canva “All this underscores the importance of family history research. Names carry the stories of our ancestors, and even when they vanish, MyHeritage empowers people to trace changes, uncover original surnames, and reconnect lost family lines, helping them preserve the identities, memories, and legacies of their families for future generations,” the researcher tells Upworthy. “Following this, we have noticed a trend where people are returning to bear the original surnames of their ancestors, which is a rather beautiful way of connecting to one’s roots.” This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated. The post American last names are disappearing fast. These 15 names are nearly extinct. appeared first on Upworthy.