One in Three Still Gets You in the Parenting Hall of Fame
What if I looked at family dinners according to baseball standards? What if I stopped striving for perfection, and tried for one out of three instead?
Observations on Sisters From Their Mother, An Only Child
For me, based on my experience as an only child and married to an only child we made a decision that we did not want to have an only child.
Saying Goodbye to the Woman with the Porcelain Skin
This was a time of respite care, not a time of miracles. This was a time of comfort, not of formality.
Writing Letters to Our Fathers
For years, I'd written letters to my dad that I'd never sent, especially during the times when, like Lilly, I felt like I wasn’t being seen or heard by him.
He walked three steps on that festive Christmas. Having just turned one, I was quite convinced that my son was talented beyond compare in his age bracket. Jay was a towhead, trim, and sported a con...
How I Became "The Shoprite Lady"
"I remember the first time I saw you. You were so sad. How can anyone with such beautiful children look so sad? And then I saw him."
The Kind Stranger: a Missed Opportunity to Show Compassion
This is a submission in our monthly contest. November’s theme is Gratitude. “He has beautiful eyes,” the stranger on the street said, about my son. He then reached out and touched my son’s hand, ge...
Finding My Place While Parenting as an Immigrant
I learned not only to come to terms with my role as a mom straddling two cultures, but to be proud of that identity.
Why Christmas Is No Longer a Time for Giving, but a Time for Pressure
I love Christmas as much as you do. But please don’t judge me when I say I find it all a bit too much. I feel the pressure of it.
Loving it All – the Way it is – Right Now
Maybe all this pressure to slow down and appreciate every moment is another form of the absurd expectations we put on ourselves, or each other, or both.
Shaping Our Kids' View of Alcohol: What Parents Need to Know
As parents, we can help our kids have a balanced view about alcohol from where they can make their own decisions when the time inevitably comes.
I still give her everything a father should, but now, more than ever, I give extra doses of confidence.
Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Harassment...Before They Even Know About Sex
There's no reason to talk specifically about sexual harassment with very young kids unless they ask about it. If they bring it up, be prepared.
Let’s Quit Doing the Work for Our Kids
How are children supposed to learn to do their own best work when parents intervene and micromanage?
Can Your Child Stay Home Alone? A One-Question Quiz.
Several factors can help determine if your kid is ready to stay home alone. But this one question can bring even more clarity.
"Oprah's Favorite Things 2017" - the Reality Edition
I took a look at some of these items and, no offense to Queen Oprah, but I beg to differ.
How to Be a Parent Your Child Wants to Talk To
Two habits that parents’ routinely engage in that shut down communication and drive a child away: negating feelings and mistaking sympathy for empathy.
Me, My Son's Wheelchair, and a Frankenboot
I was unloading the wheelchair from the van – something I’ve done successfully a thousand times. Until this one time.
How Our Reactions to Kids' Misbehavior Steers Their Future Outbursts
The way in which we react to this irritating behavior can influence how our kids learn to regulate their own emotions and behavior in the future.
At each stage in life, I envisioned money as something that would just be there when I needed it – until it wasn't. These hard-won lessons were my reward.
What a Hostage Negotiator Can Teach Us About Parenting
Most of us will never be in a situation where someone's life is on the line, but knowing how to apply negotiation skills can make daily interactions easier.
Not That You Need A Study to Prove it, But a New One About Spanking Offers a Deeper Case Against it
These findings suggest that spanking is not only an ineffective technique, but that it also makes children’s behavior worse.
Why Buying Organic Isn't My Top Concern
I feel the pull toward the organic milk and fruit, but the truth is my wallet wins out and I go with what’s cheaper.
Sweater Hugs, Here and Now, and From Beyond
This well worn sweater- it’s hers, it’s mine, and with it, we will always be together. At least, that’s what my grieving mind still tells me.