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Parenthood

What is the Perfect Age to Start Overnight Camp?

With a starting point and frame of reference, you can figure out where your kid fits on the camp readiness spectrum.

Parenthood baby by a toile tearing toile paper

Behind the Shower Curtain

As I’m showering today, though, I realize that there will come a time when the kids will no longer linger.

Parenthood image of woman blacked out

I'm a Statistic, and That's Okay

There were warning signs that we were headed for the end, but I held onto a lifeless marriage so our son would grow up with both of his parents in the home.

Parenthood boy and a girl on two beds side by side

I Disagree! 7 Civil Conversation Skills Every Family Should Practice

In this age of divisiveness, disturbing headlines, and excessive devices, strong communication skills are more important than ever.

Parenthood two kids not happy eating their vegetables

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?

Inspiration baby's feet walking

A Porcupine for Christmas

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...

Parenthood child holding small wooden toy family

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.

Parenthood mother and child in bed looking at each other

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.

Learning father helping daughter with her homework

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?

Parenthood girl making a peanut butter sandwich

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.

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.

Parenthood mom holding her child who is crying in a coffee shop

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.

Parenthood young girl not looking happy

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.

Parenthood baby looking at a dog

My Dog Is Potty Training My Daughter

My daughter has been much more interested in the bathroom use of our Boston Terrier, Judith Weiland, than anyone else in our home.

8 Parenting Lessons From the Dutch on Raising Happy and Resilient Kids

Each culture has its own unique strengths and beautiful ways of living life, and parenting is no exception.

Parenthood family playing video games

Could Attention Seeking Be Connection Seeking?

The term "attention seeking" generally refers to unwanted and demanding behaviors. When children seek attention, they are seeking connection and validation.

Parenthood young girl baking mess

Want to Raise a Capable, Independent Kid? Say Yes to the Mess

Giving your kid free reign of the kitchen may mean spilled milk, dropped eggs and a few mini-catastrophes. But it's well worth the mess.

Parenthood man with child on shoulders

How Janet Lansbury Made Me a Confident Father

From Janet Lansbury's books, to blogs, to podcasts, I've found her to be my best parenting resource.

Parenthood close up of boy looking up

Why My Son’s Fear of Failure Terrifies Me, and What I’m Doing About It

This is what I want for my kids: that they believe in themselves, push past their fears, and never feel afraid of making mistakes (if that’s even possible).

Parenthood boy with long hair

The Real Reason My Biracial Son Has Long Hair

Not because I want to control him, but because it’s the one thing to which I’ve hitched the illusion that I can control the way people see him.

Inspiration santa clause

Santa Cares: A Holiday Life Saver for Parents of Kids With Special Needs

We got in line early for Santa. We decided to try him out again, this time in a comfortable and familiar environment: the nursery school Christmas party. Our daughter knew everyone in line, and alt...

Parenthood dad pushing a young boy in a cardboard car box

5 Kid Behaviors Adults Could Learn to Do Better

Adults are always telling kids how to behave. But there are times when kids do things way better than we can.

Parenthood had with colored dots around it

Kids Waiting to be Adopted Don’t Need Super Heroes

Adoption is special but it is not unreachable. It takes real, everyday people.

Parenthood woman with a child in bed

These 5 Words Help Me Be a Better Parent

This is a submission in our monthly contest. November’s theme is Gratitude. For years now I've been asking my eight-year-old daughter, Lexi, the same question before we say goodnight: What are you ...