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Parenthood

That Time My Preschooler Clapped Back at a Nosey Stranger

Humans are curious creatures and, by and large, I’m an open book. But sometimes the inquiries can go too far. Cue the loud-mouth toddler.

Parenthood A child kissing his mother on her arms

We Sure Do Have Our Hands Full

Maybe it's the slightly crazed expression I wear on my face when I go out with all four children in public, but people seem to say the same thing.

Inspiration Mother and her kid going for a mountain hiking

Your Family’s Insider Guide to Conquering 6 National Parks

Sure, you could do what everyone else is doing on their trek to these popular National Parks. Or you could be a little more adventurous.

Wellbeing toddler stand on his head

You Don't Have to Freak Out if Your Toddler Masturbates

Of all the milestones you look forward to with your new toddler, from their first words to their first steps, masturbation definitely doesn’t make the cut.

Learning Happy father and son reading in the garden

Practical Tips for Parents of Exceptional Readers

If your kid's an advanced reader who’s reading way above grade level -- finding appropriate books can be a real challenge.

Parenthood A child looking at artifacts in the museum

5 Things You Can Start Doing Today to Raise a Motivated Learner

One of the biggest frustrations parents face is getting their kids motivated to learn. Learning new skills can be frustrating. But there are strategies.

Parenthood Childrens using laptop and father is watching

What Happened When I Shut off All Electronics for a Day (You'll Be Surprised)

Electronic devices had finally taken over my family, and not only was I irritated, I was concerned.

Wellbeing Hand shaking

If You Really Want Your Kid to Get Ahead, Teach Them This

Research shows that an initial handshake is a strong predictor of how people are perceived, which can have significant effects on success.

Learning Father lying down with his two children and reading a book

Behold the Wonder of a Book Nook

A book nook can be fancy or simple, so long as it can transport you to the places in your book and escape real life for a little while.

Wellbeing Drawing of hands doing knitting

When is "Good Enough" Better than Perfection?

Some people are perfectionists. I have never been accused of such a thing.

Wellbeing Holding hands on a car's steering wheel

Love Is Sweatpants and Take-Out, Actually

I’ve recently made a commitment to look out for the little things – those things that happen on a daily basis that show me just what love is.

Parenthood A child standing on a table beside his father

6 Common Elements of Effective Discipline

Regardless of the method used, effective discipline methods share similar characteristics.

Wellbeing Children coming inside house to hug mother

I’m Done Saying the Word “Busy” and You Should Be, Too.

By responding with the term “busy” I was pretty much summing up a pretty bleak and dreary experience. Let’s look at our days a bit differently.

Parenthood A person and a child touching head

One of the Easiest Ways to Teach Forgiveness

Here is the thing I have learned about forgiveness. It isn’t a behavior, it is a feeling.

Parenthood holding hands

7 Ways to Resolve Parenting Disagreements With Your Partner

Instead of yelling and screaming, here are a few tips to help resolve issues smoothly the next time you find yourself in the middle of a heated discussion.

Parenthood A child spiled milk all over the floor

How to Help Kids Create a Culture of Personal Accountability

Personal accountability means teaching kids that actions have consequences.

Wellbeing Father and child lying on a couch near the window

6 Ways to Turn Your Family Room Couch Into a Therapist's Couch

Your family room couch can become a figurative therapist’s couch with these simple tips on reducing stress and anxiety in your kids. 

Parenthood Mother reading a book with her children, sitting on a chair, dog roaming around

If I Were Their Mother: Fairytale Edition

Long ago but not so far away, I was a little girl who loved a good fairy tale. But now I'm a mom, and seriously, have you ever read these!?

Wellbeing Black and white image of a child playing with toy train

How Far is Too Far When Kid-Proofing Toys?

If we look more carefully at the history of dangerous toys, we might wish for a few more atomic energy labs and a few less fidget spinners.

Learning Cartoon of a girl sitting on dinosaurs head

7 Comics That Teach Kids Invaluable Life Lessons

If you’ve shied away from introducing your child to comic books, now is the time for a proper introduction.

Finding Yourself Through Mom Friends

My only chance at surviving these childhood years would come in the form of a cross-body-bag-wearing, sleep deprived, carrier of small humans: another mom.

Parenthood A person listening to music using earphone connected to mobile

How to Get Your Old iPhone Kid-Ready

Before you hand that old iPhone over to your kid (Woot, woot! UPGRADE!) get it set just right.

Wellbeing A girl looking at DNA helix at exhibition

Why We Need to Actively Teach Girls to Value Their Intelligence

What causes girls to believe this stereotype that boys are innately smarter and how can we change that?

Wellbeing A child sitting on a shoping cart and crying

A Realistic Way Look at How Judging Moms Defeats Us

Consider for a moment how mom-shaming affects all of us, even if we aren't the immediate perpetrators or victims of the shaming.