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Inspiration

Subscription Boxes: the Gift That Keeps on Giving

We’ve rounded up 12 of the best subscriptions with something for everyone … even the family dog!

Wellbeing woman looking down in black camera color

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

This is a submission in our monthly contest. November’s theme is Gratitude. I’m not a “traditional” parent by any means, but I do like traditions, especially around holidays. Sometimes, this result...

Learning boy looking at electric outlets

Revisions of Traditional Nursery Rhymes, for Modern Parents

With a baby I'm a little teapot, tired and covered in vomit. Baa, baa, black sheep, why won't you stop crying? How many miles to Babylon? I'm going to keep driving until you fall asleep. To Babylon...

Inspiration boy dressing himself

Stop Doing Everything for Your Kids and Set Them on the Path to Independence

Over-parenting and prolonged childhood are an epidemic in this country and it's not benefitting anyone.

Parenthood woman with child and dog on a couch

Why I Won’t Tell My Kids “You’re Okay”

We have to do some guessing with these tiny humans who can’t yet tell us what’s wrong, but let’s not confuse this with telling them nothing is wrong.

Parenthood baby with eyes open wide

If You Give a Baby a Loofah

Don’t waste money on overpriced, obnoxious baby toys. What babies really want are random, inanimate objects from around the house.

Parenthood woman holding a baby on a couch

The Rainbow on Our Gratitude Tree

Last November, my little family began what I had hoped would be a new family tradition: a gratitude tree.

Why My Daughters Can Show Their Underwear If They Want To

My experience is the restrictions on girls’ lives don't arrive in the form of dramatic events, but in the accumulation of thousands of everyday interactions.

Parenthood small feet in big woman shoes

Finding My Shoes and Freeing Cinderella

Leafing through old albums, I am stirred by memories that evidence so many manifestations of myself: the student, musician, wife, writer, Mom.

Learning boy on top of car yelling

We Howl Like Wolves in Public, but It’s for a Good Cause

“Do you want breadsticks?” “What?” I said and leaned half my body over the counter. “Do you want breadsticks!” he yelled. I was in the mall, standing under the neon Sbarro sign at dinnertime rush h...

Wellbeing man and woman cheering a glass of wine

Why Date Nights Matter When You're Married

It's as if once you say "I do,” date nights instantly become “We don’t,” and occur with the frequency of a Big Foot sighting.

Learning los angeles baby show logo with a baby

LA Baby Show Round-up

At parent-child industry trade shows, everyone has their eyes open for brands can surprise, continue to innovate, or flat-out impress. Here are several brands from the LA Baby consumer show that ex...

Learning kid made logo with parent co.

Kid Made Recipe: Holiday Pie Crusts

Are you on pie duty this Thanksgiving? We have some pie crust hacks that will wow your crowd! Grab a few kid helpers, roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Parenthood close up of woman looking down

Thank You, I'm Not Sorry

This is a submission in our monthly contest. November’s theme is Gratitude. If you're like me, you overuse the phrase “I’m sorry.” I apologize for everything, at least I used to. I apologized for ...

Wellbeing baby pointing with food on it

The Four-Letter Word That Can Save You From a Meltdown

When we become overwhelmed, however, we forget to check in with ourselves on even a basic level. However, this one word can save the day.

Inspiration woman closing her eyes

Stand on My Shoulders, Baby Girl

Dear Maria: Oh (wo)man, are you coming of age in an interesting time. Never have we as women been able to accomplish more. You and me together watched a woman run for president, and I saw on your f...

Inspiration Reflection of a lady washing dishes

Always Do the Dishes

My mom carefully molded these Thanksgiving memories for us, but we took her for granted. Her spoiled kids could never reciprocate that love until adulthood.

Learning kid looking at a wooden toy

Babies Can Grasp Predictable Outcomes Earlier Than You May Think

Being able to predicate what will happen in a situation is an important part of human life. And the skill is developed pretty early.

Learning kid boy hugging mom at kindergarden

Onsite Daycare: How One Nonprofit Is Making It Work

For working mothers employed by Kars4Kids, a nonprofit headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey, onsite daycare is provided.

Parenthood kid looking at a wooden toy

Keeping Guilt in the Family: Why Parents Shouldn’t Toss out the Guilt

What is so good about guilt, and why I am the seemingly lone parent out there that thinks we shouldn’t banish guilt?

Notes From a Slacker Lunch Packer

Sometimes I scan the classroom at lunchtime to see if any other kid has a Ziploc baggie and I feel a pathetic sense of relief when I spot one.

Learning Screaming under the surface

Are Stereotyped Gender Roles Heaping On Extra Stress? Probably.

In a lot of modern families where both parents work, the main responsibility of caring for the children and the home still seems to fall on the mother.

Learning mother walking with her baby son in a beautiful nature as he sits on her shoulders

Resilience: Ordinary Magic For The Mind

The ability to bounce back from life’s challenges is called resilience. Resilience is the antidote to life’s big punches.

Inspiration Smiling little girl talking with brother at breakfast at home

The Simple Question That Brings Our Family Closer Every Single Night

Whether we find ourselves happy to be at that table, or barely able to look each other in the eye, at some point someone asks this question.