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Parenthood

The Unflinching Mother vs. the Unblinking Sentinel

I did crafts, made cupcakes, helped with homework, ran baths and read bedtime stories all those times they couldn’t.

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Nostalgic (And Disgusting) Musings on a Loose Tooth

This whole losing teeth thing smacks of poor design. And why, oh why, can't I part with them?

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What Is the Value of an Education to a Stay at Home Mom?

Women are pursuing degrees in record numbers. But taking time off to raise a family once you're that deep in debt makes many have to choose between the two.

Wellbeing Newborn Baby Sleeping On Mother Chest

Should Americans Be Concerned About Postpartum Care?

It’s time that mothers really evaluate their postpartum care needs and take action to be given the care we deserve.

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Eight Picture Books Even Adults Will Love

With or without the kiddos, curl up and prepare for a pictorial excursion. Here are eight children’s picture books even adults will love.

Parenthood Two children in a pool

The Madness of Parenting Toddlers and Teens at the Same Time

Raising siblings with large age gaps between them, while full of joys, also has its own unique set of challenges.

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Addiction Trends in America And How They Impact Families

Parents’ greatest fear is that their kids will become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Many people in America know someone who's struggling with addiction.

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Storytelling: The Punk Rock of Parenting

Free, authentic, real parenting can be found in the punk rock of our time: storytelling. So get wild and tell your child a story.

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Paid Leave Would Make the US More Family Friendly - But It's Not The Only Way

The US is one of the only countries without a law mandating paid family leave. But is a universal basic income a more effective way to provide family leave?

Singing to Your Baby Will Help Relieve Postnatal Depression

It’s not uncommon that mothers of newborns feel the symptoms of postpartum depression. Whether the mother suspects she has the baby blues or depression, many symptoms may creep in. After my first c...

Juniper, the Impossible Baby

The juniper plant is impossibly resilient, just like my impossible baby.

My Son Put a Sheep’s Eye in His Lunchbox

There are moments in motherhood we simply never forget: the first time our child smiles, the first time he takes a step, her very first day of school, the first time he brings home a sheep’s eye in...

Daddy’s the Best and You’re Not

Parenting can both inflate the ego and then, often seconds later, squash it like a blueberry underfoot.

Milestones Cute curly baby girl  with big green lawn mower

10 Milestones That Aren’t on the Charts

Different accomplishments happen at different times for kids. Over the years, my children have taught me what growing up really looks like.

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How Movies Can Build Kids' Character - and the Ones That Do It Well

Has your kid ever misbehaved like Alvin from the Chipmunks movies? Or mean-girled her friends like the Bratz dolls? Don't feel bad. Kids pick up all kinds of things from movies. But they can just a...

Parenthood girl covers her face with red sweater

Five things dysfunctional parents teach their kids (by omission)

Being raised by neglectful parents has its upsides, I guess. I had to learn these things on my own and it made me who I am.

Parenthood mother is kissing her daughter on the cheek, apple trees on the background

The Day My Kid-holding Arm Failed: A Lesson in Cradling

My left side, for about six years, has been busy holding – hearing, soothing, processing – a child.

Learning lemon icebox cake kid made

Kid Made Recipe: Lemon Icebox Cake

Love lemon? Even your littlest kitchen helpers can assist with this classic, lemon icebox cake.

Parenthood little girl eating snacks off the floor

You Don’t Need to Clean the Family Room Tonight – Promise!

You might not know this, but if you don’t clean up your family room tonight, guess what? Nothing will happen.

Wellbeing painting of two woman's standing opposite of each other against night forest

Want More Sex in Your Marriage? Start With Forgiveness.

I think it’s safe to say that sex is an important part of any healthy marriage, and that it’s worth you and your spouse going out of your way to make sure it happens often. Yet even the most sex-po...

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5 Ways Acting Like a Dad Will Make You a Rock Star Mom

At some point in our parenting journey, I stopped bitching at my husband to be more like me as a parent and started learning from him instead.

Learning Two boys with teddy bears around, reading a book,

8 Ways to Step Up Storytime and Make Kids Fall in Love With Books

Sharing a book is one of the easiest ways parents can teach reading habits a child will need to be a lifelong lover of the written word.

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What You Need to Know About Giving Your Children Allowance

70 percent of kids get some kind of allowance nowadays. If you’re considering giving an allowance to your kids, here are some basic things to consider:

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How to Teach Your Child Your Native Language in One Easy Step

With years of trial and error under my belt, I finally figured out how to get kids to start actually liking, adoring, and loving their native language.