This Cookie Policy explains how The Parenting Passport (theparentingpassport.com) uses cookies on our website.
The short version: We use essential cookies required for the website to function, plus optional analytics cookies to understand how visitors use the site. Analytics cookies are only set if you accept them via our cookie consent banner.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work properly, provide security features, and remember your preferences.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies — temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies — cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
- First-party cookies — set by the website you are visiting
- Third-party cookies — set by a domain other than the one you are visiting
2. Cookies We Use
We use only strictly necessary cookies — these are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or filling out forms.
2.1 Authentication Cookies
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
auth-token | Maintains your login session after you sign in via email verification or social sign-in. | First-party, persistent | 1 hour to 7 days |
auth-token-code-verifier | Used during the sign-in flow to securely complete authentication. Deleted after sign-in is complete. | First-party, session | Deleted after auth |
Actual cookie names may include a project identifier prefix.
2.2 Security Cookies
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSRF token (via headers) | Protects against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks by validating that form submissions and API requests originate from our website. | First-party, session | Per request |
2.3 Hosting Infrastructure
Our hosting infrastructure may set minimal cookies or use headers for load balancing and security purposes. These are strictly functional and do not track users.
3. Analytics Cookies (Optional)
With your consent, we use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. These cookies are only set if you accept analytics cookies via the consent banner shown on your first visit.
| Cookie | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Distinguishes unique visitors to generate aggregate usage statistics. | Third-party (Google), persistent | Up to 2 years |
_ga_* | Maintains session state for Google Analytics 4. | Third-party (Google), persistent | Up to 2 years |
Google Analytics data is anonymized (IP anonymization is enabled by default in GA4). We do not enable advertising features, remarketing, or demographic reporting. We do not share analytics data with third parties beyond Google's standard data processing. You can opt out at any time by clearing your cookies or using the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
4. Cookies We Do NOT Use
To be completely transparent, here are categories of cookies we deliberately do not use:
- Advertising cookies — We do not run ads and do not use any advertising cookies or tracking pixels.
- Social media cookies — We do not embed social media widgets that set tracking cookies.
- Third-party tracking cookies — We do not allow any third party to set tracking cookies beyond analytics on our website.
- Preference cookies — We do not currently use cookies to remember user preferences. Any preferences are stored in your account settings on our servers.
5. Cookie Consent
When you first visit our website, a cookie consent banner asks whether you accept optional analytics cookies. You may accept or reject non-essential cookies. Your choice is stored in your browser's local storage and remembered for future visits.
Essential cookies (authentication and security) do not require consent under the EU ePrivacy Directive and GDPR, as they are strictly necessary for the website to function.
6. Managing Cookies
Even though our cookies are essential, you always have control over cookies on your device. You can manage cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Other Site Data
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions > Cookies and Site Data
Please note: If you block or delete our authentication cookies, you will not be able to stay logged in to your account. You will need to sign in again each time you visit the site.
7. Local Storage and Session Storage
In addition to cookies, modern websites can store small amounts of data using your browser's Local Storage and Session Storage. We use these for:
| Storage | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Session Storage: post_login_redirect | Remembers where to redirect you after signing in (e.g., if you clicked a link that required authentication). | Cleared when you close the tab |
| Local Storage: authentication session | Stores authentication session data as an alternative to cookies, depending on your browser configuration. | Until you sign out or session expires |
These are first-party only and are not shared with any third parties.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
If we change our cookie practices — particularly if we add non-essential cookies — we will update this Cookie Policy and, if necessary, implement a cookie consent mechanism. Changes will be reflected in the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us: