Conversations

Growth is Necessary, But Honestly, Growth Can Suck

The logical adult in me realizes that I should stand and beg the universe to give me the strength to let my children grow.

8 Very Doable Ways to Volunteer With Your Kids Today

Looking for practical ways to get children involved in volunteering? Try some of these ideas.

"I’ll Deal with The Denver Nuggets Later, Right Now I Need to do Something About That Baby."

When your screaming baby is more of a concern to the front desk than an NBA team doing what NBA teams do in hotel rooms, it's hard to know how to feel.

Life Isn’t Perfect: Lessons From My Nine-Year-Old While Painting a Wall

Why does it matter if my thighs are dimpled, if our holiday pics show that it rained everyday or yes, if the paint on our walls are not perfectly even?

Can We Learn to Love a Place That's Not the Perfect Fit?

What does science say about moving? Is it better to move to a place with more desirable characteristics, or to try to love where you are for their sake?

Kid Made Recipe: Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Autumn means apples, and lots of them! Nothing’s better than biting into a juicy, crunchy Macintosh, except maybe this delicious apple crisp.

Gender-Fluid Apps and Games Because it's 2017

More and more young people are embracing this idea and identifying as fluid, and there are a handful of apps and games to reflect their experiences.

Why Pretend Tasks Aren't as Fulfilling For Kids as the Real Deal

A new study has been released and it suggests that kids don’t really want to play with toys – what they want is the real thing.

The Wee Hours of Motherhood: Healing After Birth

There is no such thing as a magical, all-knowing "maternal instinct" that just kicks in and makes everything all right overnight.

The French Method That Completely Shifted My Parenting

Life got a bit simpler after I adapted a popular French method into my parenting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When is "Good Enough" Better than Perfection?

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

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.

6 Common Elements of Effective Discipline

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

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.