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Parenthood

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 didn’t 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.

This is the Yoga Class Parents Actually Need

If the goal of yoga is to quiet your mind, some of us have a whole lot of work to do. Unless of course we just incorporate the chatter into class.

A Night Owl's Guide to Raising an Early Bird

Kids wake at the crack of dawn ready to take the day on like gangbusters. You on the other hand, may barely survive.

My Father's Mental Illness Made Me a Better Parent

Carrying the burden of a mentally ill parent need not define who we become. And it certainly doesn't dictate what sort of parent we'll be.

The Internal Monologue of An Introvert Mom at a Kid's Birthday Party

For an introvert mom, an invitation to a child's birthday party often leads to anxiety-provoking anticipation of social awkwardness.

On Love, Loss, Tears, and Tea

The ritual of tea when the going gets tough has made a bond between mother and daughters unlike anything else.

6 Simple Tips That Will Get Your Kid Psyched to Make Dinner

Your kid doesn't want to help at meal time. What they want is to be in charge. You can let them.

Sometimes I Feel Guilty For Having a House Cleaner

What am I teaching or not teaching my kids by outsourcing the house cleaning?

Yes, I Have Twins, But It's All Hard. As a Mama, You Just Do It

Sure, having two babies at once is hard, but you know what? We're all doing the best with the hand that we've been dealt.

How to Travel With Kids: Forget Your Plans, Just Be Together

Sometimes the best plan is simply to enjoy one another's company, away from the everyday obligations and chores. Itineraries are overrated.

Follow Your Instincts and Leave the Books on the Shelf

When it comes to parenting, you can't find all the answers in books, online, or in the hearts of others. It's better to follow your instinct and do what works.

When Breastfeeding Failed, I Wanted Something to Blame

All things pregnancy, birth, and mothering related rarely turn out as planned. Connecting the dots to figure out why is an exercise in futility.

How Helping to Raise My Younger Brother Prepared Me to Be a Mom

Caring for a much younger sibling can be some of the best on-the-job parenting experience one can get.