Conversations

My Daughter Was Emotionally Scarred by a Goat – and Other Tales From Disney World

There’s a point in there somewhere about American culture, or global politics, or human nature. But I’ll let you figure that out on your own.

Should I Let My Young Daughter Focus on Being Pretty?

What does it mean to be "pretty?" How do we help shape our daughter's perception of what it means to describe themselves and others as such?

If We Want Kids to Be Grateful, They Need to Write Thank You Notes

It's easy for the task to get lost in the shuffle of everyday life. But there's something about putting pen to paper that will always be in style.

5 Lies About Fall We All Need to Stop Believing

Have you seen the migratory shenanigans? Have your kids tricked you into carving their pumpkins? Have you gotten lost in a corn maze? Happy fall!

Parenthood Drove Me Out of My Mind and Back Into My Body

Derailing a path of higher education and switching tracks to motherhood doesn't mean learning less.

What Maternity Leave Looks Like for One Family in a Tiny Apartment

A day in the life of one mom, her husband, a toddler, a baby, and a visiting Grandma all sharing the space of a two-bedroom, one bath apartment.

Finding Opportunities to Parent My Grown-Up Child

Just when it seemed the sun had set on parenting my 19-year-old son, we started playing a friendly game of basketball.

Sometimes My Kids Eat Dog Food: The Dinnertime Shit Show

There are a couple hours of the day that I'd just erase from the clock altogether. This dinnertime business is for the birds.

"Mom, Have You Ever Smoked Pot?"

When faced with having to answer a tough question, one that sets the stage for a lifetime of openness and honesty, it's worth a few minutes of discomfort.

3 Good Reasons Not Raise Your Kids the Way You Were Raised

For better or worse, the bones of our parenting scripts are written by our own parents. If that approach isn't working for you, change is possible.

Hey, Kids – Sometimes It's Okay to Quit

There's a time and circumstance for everything. Including giving your kid permission to quit something that isn't working.

Your Kids Don’t Belong to You, and That’s Okay

In the grand scheme of things, our kids are only "ours" for a short snippet of their lives. Ultimately, we're handing them off to the rest of the world.

When Your Daughter is the Mean Girl

None of us want to admit it, but sometimes despite our best efforts, we can be the parent of "the mean girl."

Why I Celebrate My Daughter's Defiant Streak

It's not always going to be easy raising a defiant daughter- this girl who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it. But it's going to pay off.

3 Simple Ways to Slay the Mom Guilt Beast

Beating down the tendency to feel guilty and defeated is no easy task. But these few things always seem to help.

Accepting My Role in My Son's Clutter-Collector Ways

The room had turned into a glorified garbage heap with a bed in the middle. Clearing the clutter had to be done.

6 Reasons I'm Jealous of My Newborn Baby

Babies have it so easy. It's only so long before doubling your body weight isn't considered cute.

How My Brother's Childhood Cancer Made Me a Fearful Parent

In the 10 years my younger brother spent undergoing treatment after treatment, I saw things I cannot unsee. His cancer colors my every day.

An Honest Look at the Evolution of Your Underwear Selection

Every journey into and through womanhood is accompanied by a common evolution of underwear choice.

With Kids, the Suburbs Suit Me Just Fine

I knew many people headed for the burbs after having kids, but I didn’t want to be one of them. But once I had a toddler, things became more difficult.

Setting Responsibilites Aside to Savor a Snuggle

Taking a break from the routine to slow down and appreciate the soft, quiet moments is often the best use of time in these short years.

On Gossip and Criticism: A Letter From Father to Son

It's not easy to opt out, but biting your tongue and not engaging in gossip and criticism is an important skill.

20 Things Teens Need to Know About How to be an Adult

By the time our kids have reached adulthood, they should be well equipped to go it alone. Hopefully they'll carry these 20 ideas with them.