Allison Kenien has been writing lifestyle articles and first-person narratives for Scary Mommy since 2022. She focuses on parenting trends, viral social media content and clever life hacks.
In addition to writing for Scary Mommy, she has contributed articles to other publications including Insider and Today’s Parent. Before starting her freelance writing career, Allison taught high school students for 3 years and worked as a sales and marketing manager for 11 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in teaching from the State University of New York at Cortland.
Allison enjoys spending time with her husband, her 8-year-old daughter and her 4-year-old son. She loves skiing, snowboarding, golfing and (most of all) socializing in the lodge or clubhouse afterwards. She’s always on a quest to find the best new movie, book, restaurant, lifestyle trend or family adventure. She also loves starting overly ambitious DIY projects, which she may or may not choose to complete. She is grateful to have amazing mom friends who provide her with many real-life stories and practical insights that inspire her articles. Her friends have called her the “wild card” of the group due to her unpredictability — a title she wears with honor.
Are You A Lazy Parent? What Experts Say About Being A Mom Who Lets Things Slide
Sometimes passive parenting is all you can muster, but it often comes with a side of mom guilt.
I Rewatched Freaky Friday With My Tween Daughter, & Now I Need A Fortune Cookie
My tween is still tweening, but I learned a few things.
I Asked, Parents Answered: What Are The Unwritten Rules Tweens & Teens Should Know?
From consent to conversation skills, the responses cover a lot of ground.
An Absolutely Unofficial Guide To Your Vivid Marriage & Parenting Dreams
Your partner got kidnapped? Here’s what your brain might be trying to tell you.
Why Are Kids Choosing Objects As Their Genders?
Experts explain what xenogenders and nounself pronouns are, and offer advice for supporting your child’s identity.
An Environmental Psychologist Shares 6 Interior Design Tips To Boost Your Teen’s Mental Health
Bonus: They’ll make you feel pretty great, too.
30 Years Later, The ‘90s Classic Dennis The Menace Feels More Heartbreaking Than Hilarious
Now that I know about ADHD, this childhood classic just hits different.
25 Years Ago, She’s All That Became The Cliché High School Movie Of A Generation
Laney Boggs lives rent-free in our heads forever.
I Asked 50 Mom Friends What Clinched Their Friendship. Here Are 5 Big Takeaways.
Because we all deserve a circle of mom besties.
29 Years Later, The Mom From The Santa Clause Is The Movie’s Most Relatable Character
Honestly, this woman deserves to be sainted.
Alexa Is Basically My Kid’s BFF. How Much AI Is Too Much?!
Psychologist Susan Linn, author of Who's Raising The Kids, offers advice for parents on healthy boundaries between children and artificial intelligence.
40 Futurecore Baby Names For Your Next-Generation Kid
From sci-fi heroes to tech references, there’s plenty of inspo in our fast-paced world.
My Young Teen Wants Their BF/GF To Sleep Over. How Do I Deal?
It’s all very cute until young love wants to crash at your house for the night.
Should You Warn Your Ex's Significant Other About Them? A Psychiatrist Weighs In
Travis Kelce’s ex Maya Benberry recently called out his alleged infidelity, but an expert says relationship whistle-blowing isn’t necessarily healthy.
I Watched Live To 100 On Netflix, & It Changed My Perspective On Parenting
"When you know someone needs you and wants you to be in their life, that gives you longevity.”
This Is 40 Used To Terrify Me. Now I Get The Midlife Humor.
Debbie’s story just hits different these days.
A Professional Stylist Combs Through 5 Of TikTok’s Trendiest DIY Haircuts
Tempted to try giving yourself the viral butterfly cut? Cosmetologist Shantella Rios has advice.
I Rewatched Now and Then, & It Changed How I Do Summer With My Kids
Teeny, Roberta, Samantha, and Chrissy set the golden standard.
With Food & Financial Insecurity On The Rise, Families Plunge Into Dumpster Diving
Videos on #dumpsterdiving have racked up more than 4 billion views on TikTok.
Actually, I Love Traveling With My In-Laws
Here’s how we make it work.
