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Parenthood

The New Research That Convinced Me to Become a Soccer Mom Dropout

Am I a horrible mother? The society-driven guilt part of me says, "yes," but the authentic me says, "heck no!"

Parenthood father holding his child with rising sun

Parenting From the Pages of "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook"

Now that I’m a father, I no longer feel ashamed of my anxiety. I feel responsible.

Parenthood little boy with bow and arrow in snow background

More Parents Are Raising Perfectionists and Maybe it's Time to Chill Out

A recent study has found perfectionism has significantly increased compared to previous generations. Striving for perfection however, comes with a price.

Parenthood lady whispering  to little boy's ear

#Meworried – the Challenges of Raising a Son in the #Metoo Era

Practically, parents of boys are in a precarious position, one where the rules of inter-gender engagement seem to be in constant flux.

Parenthood woman with party hat with noisemaker on a yellow background

Yes, It Was a 16th Birthday Party, But "Sweet" Isn't How You'd Describe It

Wild at heart, wild animals, Wild Thang, walk on the wild side … holy moly COW, you ain’t seen “wild” until you host your 16-year-old’s surprise party.

Parenthood child hiding behind fence

An Open Letter to Our New Neighbors

Most people get welcomed to the neighborhood with a delicious casserole or tray of baked goods, but my kids would eat it before I could even get it to you.

Parenthood boy with black hair, pulling facial expression

Nine Going on Nineteen

By all accounts, I'm very lucky. My nine-year-old son, Jack, is a great kid.

Parenthood A person closed eye with beard

Does Screaming the F-word in Wegmans Make Me a Bad Parent?

I blame my wife for what happened. She makes going out and getting things done with our children seem easy.

Parenthood Little girl catching father, having fun with dad at home

Wild Rumpus

When I hear the term “wild” I am automatically transported to the scene in Maurice Sendak’s book "Where the Wild Things Are" in which Max is sent to his room for behaving, well, wild.

Parenthood A kid reading a book, sitting at thw window

Playing the Chess Game of Shorts in Winter

This morning, he emerged from his bedroom wearing a red bandana, a pair of soccer shorts, and a short-sleeved T-shirt that read THIS KID RULES.

Parenthood Mother and child watching out from the car's window

What Debra Winger Taught Me About Motherhood

"Terms of Endearment" stayed with me as I grew up. It was one of the few movies I ever saw that portrayed the mother daughter bond as I knew it.

Parenthood birthday celebrations with cake on face

The Wildly Overblown Children's Birthday Party: Can We Be Done?

You know what’s wild? Kids' birthday parties in the new millennium. Their Pinterest perfection, their thematic orchestration.

Inspiration red woolen thread and needle

Ten Things You Can Do Right Now to Make Next Holiday Season That Much Easier

The holidays can be totally exhausting and overwhelming. Take advantage of the tailwind and make next year a little easier.

Parenthood Child standing on a pedistal for using the basin with father

Why a Consistent Approach to Your Parenting is Important

Being consistent is time-consuming and requires thought and patience but will make your relationship stronger as your child gets older.

Parenthood A kid putting finger on her nose

For Parents of Babies Who Think They'll Always be Angels

Here is a list of Toddler Truths that you should come to grips with.

Parenthood Girl looking at the mirror

When Angst Comes to Visit

This is a submission in our monthly contest. January’s theme is "Wild." Teen angst: a great phrase that uses onomatopoeia. As much as I like how it sounds, I hate the reality. With all those raging...

Parenthood Father holding her child up above with his hands, lying on a couch

Guided by the Force, Some Traditions Are Destiny

What Star Wars has become to so many generations of fans is due to the enduring nature of its story.

A Cradle of Wishes

A magical cradle, a feud between food groups, and a boy with a pet dinosaur – just a small sampling of the stories my daughter had conjured up while staring dreamily into space. It began when I met...

Parenthood A kid is seeing inside from cage

“Don’t Lick the Cat!” and Other Things I Never Thought I’d Have to Say

That was just the beginning of the downward spiral of strange pieces of advice I would be giving my son over the next two years.

Parenthood Person standing behind cage with depression

How to Have Constructive Conversations With Kids About Mental Health

Not only do we avoid discussing mental health with our kids, but many are ashamed to share these struggles with other adults.

Parenthood Child wrapped with white towel or blanket

My Daughter's Fears Make Me Feel Helpless Because I Can't "Fix" Them for Her

This is a submission in our monthly contest. December’s theme is Growth. It's over 90 degrees out, the kind of heat that warps your skin. I splash my face and feel a moment of cool, but my daughter...

You've Seen Me at the Park. Let Me Tell You What Kind of Mother I Am

I want to tell this woman I do care, that my aloof exterior belies an infinite reservoir of caring. I want to tell her she has no idea what kind of mother I am.

Confessions of an Off-Duty Mom

Spending time with my family is the greatest joy in my life, but it also feels like the greatest burden for an introvert like me.

Dating Your Wife With Kids Under Five

It can be difficult to make time for yourself and for each other when you have children, but it’s also a great time to grow together in a new way.