I'd Rather Bathe a Feral Cat Than Plan This IEP Meeting
Do not get me wrong, I would walk through fire for my son. That would be easier, actually, because at least then I would know the outcome.
If I Put Off Cleaning Because "They're Only Young Once" I'm Going to Die Under This Pile of Laundry
We are constantly reminded that no one has ever said they wish they had spent more time doing housework, and less time with the kids. But that's crap.
Parents Who Tragically Lose Their Kid Need Love and Support, Not Criticism
When a child dies in a manner that theoretically could have been prevented, people need someone to blame. But the parents need love and support, not judgement.
To The Mom In The Bathroom Stall Next To Me: Thank You
There are many difficult experiences parents go through with their children, but the horrors of potty training can be truly traumatizing.
Why You Should Take a Maternity Leave as a Stay-At-Home Mom
The first few weeks of having a newborn should be full of rest, quiet, and bonding. That's hard to achieve if you have other kids and a house to care for.
Five Things Guaranteed to Happen At Your Kid’s School Performance
It’s the big day. It’s time for your budding ballerina, actor, or singer to take center stage. This is how it's going to go.
Dropping Everything to Read Since Ramona Said it Was Cool
When my three-year-old brings me a book, or two, or lately, a canvas bin full of books, I drop everything and read.
5 Things People Will Say If You Decide to Hyphenate Your Kids Last Name
If you’re a fellow hyphenating parent or are considering becoming one, you’ll definitely hear some, if not all, of these gems.
I had disappeared, and I didn’t know where I might be found. "I just want to feel like me again," I said, tearfully, two weeks into motherhood.
Cars, Confessions, and a College Kid Who Lives at Home
My son bought a new car. Well, that’s almost true. My husband co-signed the documents with the understanding that my son would be responsible for gas, maintenance, insurance, and monthly payments. ...
If Two Pink Lines Instill Panic Before Joy, Just Hold On
I wept in fear and surprise when I saw those two pink lines on a pregnancy test three years ago. So, too, did I think mournfully of my independence.
Could My Kids Actually Be Benefitting From My Divorce?
I feel compelled to focus not on the disastrous, negative effects my divorce may be having on my children, but rather on how it might be serving them well.
There Are No French Fries at the Masada Visitor Center
When our family takes trips now, no matter how packed our touring schedule might be, I make sure to bring a few familiar items from home.
Am I Raising My Kid to Be Too Sensitive?
In my attempt to raise an empathetic child, have I trained her to scan for trauma where there is none?
Fun Things to Do With Your Newborn Who Doesn't Care, Obviously
What are you supposed to do when you’re in charge of someone who has no neck strength and can’t even figure out where/what their limbs are?
Beyond "Because I Said So" – 16 Phrases You'll Actually Want Your Kids to Remember
The words we speak to our kids root deeply within them and become part of who they are.
Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just About to Light Myself on Fire Inside This Walmart
When you are evaluating store trips, you have to grade the experience on a huge curve when you have small children with you.
The No-Matter-What Parenting Habit I'm Most Proud Of
I know that one of my most important jobs as a parent has been to make a place for reading (and writing) in our home.
I'm Staking Claims on the "Fun Parent" Status
Why can’t I be the fun parent? At the risk of sounding like my 7-year-old, it just isn’t fair. So I'm changing the game.
Butt Wipes and Seaweed Gripes: Adventures With the Poison Control Hotline
Spoiler alert: she's fine.
8 Parenting Habits That May Undermine Your Good Intentions
Big wins often require small steps. “Overnight success” is a myth that too often hides the pain, hard work, and failure associated with each and every success. Much like Hemingway’s description of ...
Choosing Between Art and Family: A Mother’s Dilemma
Who do you think you are? What kind of mother picks her pie-in-the-sky hobby over her children? A good one who considers her needs, that's who.
The Magical Powers of Validation
Validation is an important part of raising children. It opens up the lines of communication between parents and their children.
Staying at Home Versus The Virtue of Busyness
I might work hard, but I’m simply not as busy as I would be if I worked outside the home. Admitting I'd prefer not to be busy comes with a dose of humility.