The Parenting Regret That Caught Me by Surprise
Sometimes what's best for our kids is for us to let them lead the way and to remember that not every "problem" needs solving.
That Time I Tried to Work and Mother Simultaneously
Being a work-at-home mom isn't the easiest gig in the world. Especially on the days my 4-year-old wants nothing to do with the "work" part.
I Need to Stop Saying "I'm Sorry"
Women, far more often than men, apologize reflexively. As mothers, that lifelong habit intertwines with the way we parent.
I'll Cut Up Your Cell Phone and Other Lessons in Tough Love
When extra chores and lectures aren't getting through, sometimes teenagers need a little tough love to make a positive change.
An Honest Letter to My Oldest Child: What Happened To Us?
As kids grow, so do their emotions. Our ability to connect ebbs and flows. And on the days it feels non-existent, we wait, hoping upon hope that it returns.
When Raising Kids Takes a Toll On Your Marriage
With the day to day of raising a young family, a marriage is sometimes simply going through the motions. Even with the best intentions.
10 Times My Parenting Channels The Griswold's
Forget other seasoned parents, facebook groups, or playdates. I get my parenting wisdom from these genius National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation quotes.
The Unbearable Monotony of Maternity Leave
This three months off isn't a decadent vacation. It's three months of being stranded in motherhood.
10 True Things About Being a Mom Your Nice Friends Won't Tell You
Your friends may be holding out on you. Allow me to set the record straight on what you can expect from this parenting gig.
Why I Don't Make My Kids Do Chores
Kids have their entire adult lives to tend to mundane tasks. For now, I'm heeding grandma's advice, doing the chores and letting them be kids.
Dear Son, Now That You Have a Girlfriend...
You now have a girlfriend. You’ve talked, tweeted, and texted with other girls over the past couple of years, but this one is different. You spend time together; a LOT of time together. You share m...
Needing Space From My Family Makes Me Feel Like a Failure
The need to be alone is as biological as the one to build a family. But recognizing that need comes with a guilt mothers often can't ignore.
Why We Make Our Sons Watch Women's Sports
Cheering on strong, fast, and powerful women is as much a priority in our house as Sunday Night Football.
Remembering My Self Between Departure and Arrival
Preparing to leave the role of mother behind for just a few days can be nerve-wracking, emotional, and empowering.
The 5 Stages of Head Lice: From Denial to Depression
My experience with head lice can be summed up in five phases similar to Kubler-Ross' five stages of grief: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
One Grandmother's Take on Babysitting
To be sure, there are plenty of grandparents eager to spend time with their grandchildren. And with many young adults marrying later and waiting to have babies, there are many retired 70-somethings...
Babies Reach for Toys More When Adults are Around
Eight-month-old infants are much more likely to reach towards distant toys when an adult is present than when they are by themselves, according to research published in Psychological Science, a jou...
Survival and Family: Perspective on Stress From the Third World
Marriage, family, and stress all hold a different weight when the struggle to simply survive is a day-to-day affair.
My Son Can't Walk and That's Fine With Me
When my four-year-old doesn't see his wheelchair as a disadvantage, why should I?
When a Game of Catch Becomes a Conversation Between Mother and Son
Sussing out the needs of your introverted kid sometimes means quietly letting them take the lead.
The 12 Stages of Naming Your Child
You made a human. Now comes the hard. Part. Figuring out what to name them.
Mom is the one who drives to meets, packs the snacks, and bleaches the baseball pants. But mama is the forehead kisser, band-aid applier, and story-teller.
5 Ways to Kill Time When Bonding With Your Newborn
Don't get me wrong. This new baby is magical and fascinating. But so is the Grand Canyon. And you can only stare at something for so long.
Pushing Our Kids to Persevere When All They Want to Do Is Quit
It's not easy to push our kids out of their comfort zone. But encouraging them to keep going when they want to throw in the towel is part of the job.