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Parenthood

Letting Go of the Hope That My Grown Sons Will Reconnect

How long can a parent intervene in sibling relationships? Once they're adults, they shouldn't require a referee. But what if their rift breaks your heart?

Parenthood little boy with two teeth.

Hey, Future Teenage Daughter, You Embarrassed Me First

There's going to come a day when the mere mention of my name makes you want to wither with embarrassment. Well, kid, you did it to me first.

Parenthood Three children tying mother with rope in living room

So, Wait – How CAN I Discipline My Child?

There are moments when positive parenting stops working. What methods of discipline won't scar them for life?

Parenthood little daughter hugging mother holding tight

How to Help Your Child Navigate the Death of a Friend

Supporting our kids through something as devastating as the loss of a friend is no easy task. Experts can offer some advice.

Parenthood blur image of a kid playing in the garden

I Almost Missed It: My Toddler's First Memory

“I saw that dog yesterday!” my two-year-old exclaims. He is standing in a sagging diaper and his brother’s old t-shirt in our backyard. His finger is aimed at a shaggy, green-collared mutt. His vo...

Parenthood a girl in white dress playing with a young lady in a field

4 Ways Taking on a Housemate Has Made Me a Better Parent

If you can find the right person, taking in a housemate can be a game-changer for finding a new rhythm as a parent.

Parenthood How to Tell If Your Child Is Addicted to Video Games – and How to Help

How to Tell If Your Child Is Addicted to Video Games – and How to Help

If you’ve determined that your child likely has a video game addiction, there are a number of ways you can help.

Parenthood happy mother lying on couch with her baby

Gestational Diabetes Made Me a Better Mom

Handling a gestational diabetes diagnosis well can be controlled, and it ultimately made my family healthier and me a better mom.

Parenthood little brother hugging his new born sister

A Letter to My Five-Year-Old, Now That Your Baby Brother Is Here

There may not be as much room on my lap these days, but you're asking to sit there less and less.

Parenthood couple kissing in rain

How I Teach My Daughter About True Love

The best we can do to teach our daughters about loving a good man is to lead by example.

Parenthood Three young happy girls with Christmas gifts

How to Shield Your Child from Greed and Entitlement During the Holidays

Keep the focus on what the holidays really mean to your family and instill in your kids a sense of generosity and gratitude.

Learning parents with cute little baby playing in mud

Relativist Parenting Is a State of Mind, Not a Style

In this age of too much information, parenting can be scary business. But when we trust our instincts, we know more than we give ourselves credit for.

Parenthood little girl and boy  hiding behind table at kitchen and looking at cupcakes kept on table

How to Keep Your Kids Motivated to Be "Good" Once Santa Is off Duty

If it takes a village to raise a kid, then sometimes we need to use that village to get our kids to do what they have to do. So who should we call on besides Santa?

Parenthood  young girl and boy  close up on face reflecting in a mirror

8 Questions Smart Parents Never Ask Their Kids

They say there are no dumb questions. They are wrong. I've asked my kids these questions a million times and realize they're completely useless.

Parenthood Twin girls on a lake shore, sprinkling water

Twin Bond, Shmin Bond: It's Toddler Fight Club at My House

Everyone seemed to think my identical twins would have a magical bond. But then the biting started.

Parenthood Young mother holding her newborn son in bed

How Will You Remember the Early Days of Motherhood?

The early days of motherhood can feel like the Dark Ages. But looking back, we can choose to remember the beauty of it all.

Parenthood rear view of boy and girl sitting on bench at  field

The Importance of Teaching Your Kids to Be Empathetic and Assertive

How do we teach our kids about right and wrong? How do we teach them to be empathetic but also to stand up to mean kids?

Parenthood little baby boy in a Christmas cap sitting on floor by the Christmas tree

A Father’s First Christmas

As you get older, the less you care about receiving gifts, the more you enjoy giving them. This feeling only gets amplified as a parent.

Parenthood surprised baby boy , after playing pranks on mother in kitchen

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.

Learning Happy curly little child girl is reading  book

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.

Parenthood Father and baby boy sleeping on bed 

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.

Parenthood kids playing in bed

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.

Parenthood close up of a boy's tensed eyes

How to Help Your Attachment-Challenged Child

Everything that comes naturally for parents when disciplining their children is wrong for children with attachment disorders.

Parenthood Close-up Of Lit Candle On Pastry

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.)