What It Means to Say Yes to Adventure, and Motherhood
My biggest fear in becoming a mother was that I'd lose my identity and sense of adventure. So I'm saying yes to the things that make me feel like me.
Last Minute Christmas Magic Tips From One Hot Mess to Another
The key to a truly memorable Christmas isn’t being a Super Parent. There are simple ways to infuse the season with magical sights, sounds, and traditions.
5 Ways to Help Her Hide That Pregnancy From Her Drunk Friends
Your formerly boozy train wreck of a significant other is pregnant. So how's she going to keep it from her girlfriends for awhile? With your help.
What I Learned That Time My Son Watched Me Not Pick Up Trash
As a parent, it's totally possible to screw up, panic, and try again. With absolutely no lasting damage.
The Challenges of “Popping” to the Shop With a Toddler
In my younger years of my early 30s, it was perfectly possible to ‘pop’ to the shops to buy something I needed. Perhaps a loaf of bread. Maybe some fruit. More likely some chocolate and alcohol. In...
An Imperfect Love: Reflections on 49 Years of Marriage
Learning from the legacy of my parent's marriage, and growing because of it, I can both honor and further fortify their love- and perhaps make one of my own.
Please Stop Telling Me the Dishes Can Wait
No, I'm not losing sleep over a single knife in the sink. I'm up to my eyeballs in obligations and the dishes have been piled for days.
Why I Clean My Teens' Rooms (And You Should Consider It, Too!)
At a time when their brains and bodies are in overdrive, I don't mind taking on the small job of keeping my teen's room clean.
Holding On Until I Feel Whole Again
When postpartum depression and anxiety bring you to your knees, how do you decide if you want to have another child, or if it's time to let go of a dream?
Parenting in a More Accepting Era
The doorbell rings, and I run down the steps to answer. Today is the day our condo association is sending someone to take care of the dangerously old porch steps. I greet the carpenter with a smile...
Debate Club: Do Kids Need to Attend Preschool?
Education is a big deal. But how early should we focus on it? Two Parent Co. writers offer differing opinions on the importance of preschool.
What Caddying For My Son Taught Me About Being a Mother
As parents, we offer our kids countless unsolicited opinions and advice. But when the parent is also the golf caddy, restraint is the key to success.
How A Single Mom Creates Christmas Magic On A Limited Budget
Making Christmas special for your kids doesn't have to cost an arm and leg. This mom of six shares her tips and tricks for making it all work.
7 "Weird Al" Yankovic Songs That Are Secretly About Parenting
Turns out, over the years,"Weird Al" has written a song about almost every parental hardship imaginable.
How to Drive Parents Insane: A Toy Manufacturer's Viewpoint
Clearly toy companies are lead by evil geniuses who conspire to drive parents to the brink of madness while emptying their wallets completely.
12 Gifts That Will Help Your Family Stay Crap and Craft-Free
The best holiday memories often have little to do with the actual presents. The excitement is in the build-up- full of togetherness, fun, and tradition.
Your Upbringing Can Hurt Your Children More Than You Know
We can choose to parent from a place of what we learned by example or what we learned by example not to do.
Our Kids Need to Know That Love Is Stronger Than Hate
I woke up at 4 a.m. on the morning of the U.S. election. I was in my four-year-old’s bed (he’d woken up during the night) and checked my phone to see the latest news. It was almost exactly the same...
How to Raise Respectful Digital Citizens
The best way to help our children navigate social media and technology is through explicit instruction of our expectations for their behavior in this realm.
7 Science-Backed Ways to Be a Better, Happier Parent
These simple skills can be adapted into daily life and make it easier to raise happier, healthier, and more cooperative kids.
Good Enough: Suggestions for Balancing Your Precious Time
Time, like money, is a precious and finite commodity. And since there's no way to give everything full attention all the time, stop being so hard on yourself.
A Letter to My Parents From Your College-Bound Teenager
Eloquent words from the front lines of college application and high school pressures.
For Success in School, Teach Your Children How to Study
Helping your child develop good study habits will also help them develop the skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
We Can't End Bullying, But We Can Teach Our Kids How to Handle It
Like adults, kids are people who disagree, argue, and get their feelings hurt. Instead of expecting to prevent it, we can give them tools for handling it.