20 Things on My Parenting Bucket List (That I'll Never Get to Do)
Forget jumping out of planes. My parenting bucket list is dotted with hopes of spending less than 3 hours pushing toy cars around- among other things.
The 5 Joys of Bookworms Who Raise Bookworms
When you've grown up with your nose in a book, it's incredibly thrilling to have a kid who's inherited your passion for reading.
5 Ways My Husband's Lazy Parenting Is Actually Great
I used to view my husband's more hands off approach to parenting as his unwillingness to help. But then I realized he may be onto something.
My List of Demands for the Extended Holiday Break
This holiday break, I've told myself I'm going to slow down, listen more, and enjoy the family time. But only if my demands are met.
How to Help Your Attachment-Challenged Child
Everything that comes naturally for parents when disciplining their children is wrong for children with attachment disorders.
My “Happy” Birthday Surprise That Required a Plumber and a Bucket of Disinfectant
Simple decorating pleasures go right down the toilet when you allow kids to live in your house. (Literally, in some cases.)
Daring to Love Fiercely Even When We Fall Short as Parents
Our children aren’t looking for perfect parents. They’re looking for tremendous love.
Stop Letting Your Kids Push You Around
As your child's first teacher, it's your job to hold them to the same standard of respect and courtesy you expect them to give others.
Are You the Mother You Thought You'd Be? Me Neither.
Ever since I was about 20, I've been excited to be a mother. Surely, it must be the most fulfilling thing you can possibly do? Surely, it would complete me? I've always adored kids. I re-trained as...
Why Choosing Family Over Career Was the Right Decision – For Me
Being honest with yourself about what you want in your career as a mother and professional-and owning that decision- is the key to being satisfied.
How Being Depressed Made Me a Good Mother
Depression taught me that feeling love is the most important thing. And that alone makes mothering through it all just a little easier.
Why My Kids Know the Truth About Santa
Choosing to uphold the myth of Santa is a tricky decision.
Why Corporal Punishment Doesn’t Work, According to Science
I was stunned last week when I read an NPR article reporting that about half of American states—mostly in the South—still allow corporal punishment in schools, including the state where I am raisin...
Why I'm Teaching My Kids to Be Judgmental
The practice of judgement does not necessitate a lack of tolerance or being mean. Judgement is forming opinions after careful thought. And that's always a good thing.
What would you do if your kid refused to stop licking family members? Could the answer ever be to – gasp! – lick back?
I Know People Do It, But Should I? Wrestling With the Decision to Have Another Kid
Clearly, it's possible to have more than one kid. But it can't be easy to manage. How is a mother of one supposed to know if she can hack it?
What I Tell My Kids About Working Moms
My husband, kids, and I were driving home from the park a few weeks ago when my son pointed at his friend’s house. “Is Jack’s daddy staying home today, too?” he asked. I said he probably was since ...
Every Time I Try to Be June Cleaver, I End Up Like Joan Crawford
The housewife/homemaker gig doesn't come naturally to everyone.
Proposed Family Leave Policy for Friends and Co-Workers Who Don’t Have Children
Not everyone plans on having kids. But like family leave policies for birth, there should be policies in place for other family needs.
Soul Crushing Kid-Favorite Foods From the Dark Side
I don't want to hate on them because they really do save my life most days. But have you ever tried to clean up three hundred grains of cooked rice?
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.
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...
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.