What Maternity Leave Looks Like for One Family in a Tiny Apartment
A day in the life of one mom, her husband, a toddler, a baby, and a visiting Grandma all sharing the space of a two-bedroom, one bath apartment.
Finding Opportunities to Parent My Grown-Up Child
Just when it seemed the sun had set on parenting my 19-year-old son, we started playing a friendly game of basketball.
Sometimes My Kids Eat Dog Food: The Dinnertime Shit Show
There are a couple hours of the day that I'd just erase from the clock altogether. This dinnertime business is for the birds.
"Mom, Have You Ever Smoked Pot?"
When faced with having to answer a tough question, one that sets the stage for a lifetime of openness and honesty, it's worth a few minutes of discomfort.
3 Good Reasons Not Raise Your Kids the Way You Were Raised
For better or worse, the bones of our parenting scripts are written by our own parents. If that approach isn't working for you, change is possible.
Hey, Kids – Sometimes It's Okay to Quit
There's a time and circumstance for everything. Including giving your kid permission to quit something that isn't working.
Your Kids Don’t Belong to You, and That’s Okay
In the grand scheme of things, our kids are only "ours" for a short snippet of their lives. Ultimately, we're handing them off to the rest of the world.
When Your Daughter is the Mean Girl
None of us want to admit it, but sometimes despite our best efforts, we can be the parent of "the mean girl."
Why I Celebrate My Daughter's Defiant Streak
It's not always going to be easy raising a defiant daughter- this girl who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it. But it's going to pay off.
3 Simple Ways to Slay the Mom Guilt Beast
Beating down the tendency to feel guilty and defeated is no easy task. But these few things always seem to help.
Accepting My Role in My Son's Clutter-Collector Ways
The room had turned into a glorified garbage heap with a bed in the middle. Clearing the clutter had to be done.
6 Reasons I'm Jealous of My Newborn Baby
Babies have it so easy. It's only so long before doubling your body weight isn't considered cute.
How My Brother's Childhood Cancer Made Me a Fearful Parent
In the 10 years my younger brother spent undergoing treatment after treatment, I saw things I cannot unsee. His cancer colors my every day.
An Honest Look at the Evolution of Your Underwear Selection
Every journey into and through womanhood is accompanied by a common evolution of underwear choice.
With Kids, the Suburbs Suit Me Just Fine
I knew many people headed for the burbs after having kids, but I didnt want to be one of them. But once I had a toddler, things became more difficult.
Setting Responsibilites Aside to Savor a Snuggle
Taking a break from the routine to slow down and appreciate the soft, quiet moments is often the best use of time in these short years.
On Gossip and Criticism: A Letter From Father to Son
It's not easy to opt out, but biting your tongue and not engaging in gossip and criticism is an important skill.
20 Things Teens Need to Know About How to be an Adult
By the time our kids have reached adulthood, they should be well equipped to go it alone. Hopefully they'll carry these 20 ideas with them.
6 New Mom “Musts” That I Didn't Need - And Neither Will You
You've got a lot on your plate in that first year of parenthood. There's no reason to add to it by doing things that aren't really necessary.
Kids Being Kids is Not a Reflection of My Bad Parenting
Demonstrate how a rockin mom or dad does it. You hold your head up high and walk away from that uncomfortable situation with an Oh well, attitude.
Remember When You Said You'd Never Have Kids?
A humorous and heartfelt essay exploring the many steps along the well-trod path to becoming a mother, from pregnancy to college graduation and beyond.
The Car Seat Logistics of Bringing Your Premature Baby Home
When your baby is born premature, there are a few extra car seat protocols most hospitals follow. Here's what you can expect.
9 Things Every Teacher Wishes Parents Knew
Parents can be a teacher's biggest ally. Knowing these things can help make that possible.
8 Books You'll Actually Enjoy Reading to Your Baby
Reading to kids from an early age is important. But not every book is a winner. Here are eight books that won’t make you dread storytime.