Conversations

How to Set the Bar High Without Teaching That Performance Determines Identity

How do we, as parents, set the bar high for our children, all the while making it clear that what they can accomplish does not determine who they are?

Stop Trying to Find the “Perfect” Consequence

The use of consequences can include some hidden “baggage” for many parents.

Playgroup Isn't for Kids – It's a Parent's Lifeline

Whether it's talking about pregnancy, feeding , sleeping, or tantruming, playgroup mums really do form your squad.

Deranged Quotes Declared by My Toddler in One Single Outing

Being the shepherd of a threenager allows me to act as curator of her finest moments, and provides a slice of levity in an otherwise dark world.

I Don't Play With My Kids, Here's Why

For adults, sitting down to role-play driving a car or making dinner is like sitting down to learn the alphabet – boring as all get out.

Date Nights in the Parenthood Era

I want to feel like my husband and I have left our date nights like we used to before we were parents.

Explaining the News to Our Kids

No matter how old your kids are, threatening or upsetting news can affect them emotionally.

Cracking Under the Monotony of Motherhood

Maybe I’m not cut out for this motherhood thing. Clearly, it is too late now but I really have my doubts.

New Ways to Praise: Moving Beyond "I'm Proud of You"

We praise our kids for everything they do – broad praise that actually means little but has a major impact.

How the F-Word Brought My Daughter from the Bottom to the Top

When we began our competitive gymnastics journey with my younger daughter, I had no idea what we were in for. That first year was a giant rollercoaster of big ups (she placed third on her team at h...

I Guess We'll Survive the Teenage Years

I don’t think I’m going to survive the teenage years. I know this is the same thought that millions of parents have had throughout the ages.

Cinderella Was Wrong About Stepmoms

She was nervous, sensitive, and a perfectionist, and she was a sudden mother to three. Nothing prepares you for that.

When Sass Is the New Tantrum

I have bad news: The tween years are basically the toddler years on steroids.

Don't Feel Guilty If You Don't Have Time for Family Dinner

How can your busy family carve out 15-30 minutes a day to check in and spend quality time together? Here are five alternatives to the revered family dinner.

What You Can Do When Your Kid Prefers One Parent Over the Other

Though it's not uncommon for children to prefer one parent over the other, it totally stings. Here's what you can do to make it through.

I Don’t Want to Binge Watch My Son’s Childhood

I’m not going to trot out the tired “enjoy this time because it’ll be gone too soon” trope you get from older women in the grocery store.

7 Kid Requests You Should Agree To in the Name of Autonomy and Independence

What are the costs and benefits of saying "yes" to these 7 common kid requests?

Playing the Parenting Game for Keeps

My sons often remind me that the parenting game is not necessarily about winning or losing. It’s about the effort that goes into playing the game.

A Simple Solution to (Eventually) Getting Your Kid to Eat

This trick is pretty simple. Invite your kid’s nose to dinner.

6 Simplicity Hacks for Parents Who Would Rather Spend Time Doing Than Planning

Here are some strategies you can use to minimize decision-making and maximize time and energy for the pursuits that bring you joy.

Moms, Even if You Have to Fake it, Rock Body Confidence in Front of Your Girls

Having a good body image and exercising a healthy lifestyle are important to model for your daughter, but your actual relationship is more vital.

Study Say U.S. Dads Are Getting Older, Does It Matter?

Apparently American fathers are taking a few more years to perfect their best dad jokes.

How to Prepare for Adoption Like an Olympic Gymnast

Approaching adoption with the mindset that you cannot fail is what will make you the kind of parent who triumphs, no matter what anyone else may tell you.