Parenting
Here's a collection of all of our articles filed under parenting
Let's pretend you didn't break your arm and go on vacationSuck it up boys, nothin's stopping our Maid of the Mist tour.By Suzanne Seese
There’s a code they must live by, boys, and that is if there’s a hotel bed jump on it.
It isn’t their fault really because way back when they were in the womb and their brains were forming, the frontal lobe that controls...
read more
Environmentalist mom trades principles for convenienceThe fall from green grace isn't that far down.By Suzanne Lafetra
There is practically nothing as hard as caring for a newborn baby, and to have to do it when you are sleepwalking is sort of like climbing Everest in a skimpy nylon windbreaker and high heels -- you’re just not properly equipped.
I had earnestly...
read more
Environmentalist mom trades principles for convenienceThe fall from green grace isn't that far down.By Suzanne Lafetra
There is practically nothing as hard as caring for a newborn baby, and to have to do it when you are sleepwalking is sort of like climbing Everest in a skimpy nylon windbreaker and high heels -- you’re just not properly equipped.
I had earnestly...
read more
When Mom's the DadThe peculiar positioning of gay familiesBy Mandy Hartley
My son is obsessed with the mailbox. Everything about it from the dandy red flag that moves up and down, to the satisfying thump of the door as it opens and closes... and opens and closes and opens and closes (he's a toddler) pleases him. Each...
read more
Parenting Outside the Razor WireWhat happens when parents are separated by a prison sentence? By Sandra Ray
Single parents can face some difficult parenting decisions in part because they do not have someone to share parenting responsibilities. Having someone to “share the load” helps decrease stress, increase self-esteem, and reinforce ideas...
read more
We Only Think About ItThe truth comes out along with the wine.By M. Esther Sherman
The sound of motherhood echoes across the playground and if you breathe in deep, you can almost taste the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and feel the sticky hands of the children. Almost. Thank God, not entirely. I hate peanut butter and jelly...
read more
A Squirrelley TaleA big lesson from a small animal.By Karen Leppert
Sometimes life’s lessons are learned in the strangest ways. Perhaps it’s necessary. We might not recognize them if they came to us by more conventional means or they might not have the same significance. Lectures come to...
read more
Old Gorillas Never DieThey just get stuffed in the garage.By Bryan W. FieldsAssigned to clean the storeroom during one of my wife's semiannual organization rampages, I sift through the jumbled piles of stuff with the determined patience of a paleontologist. Broken toys, tattered magazines, dog-eared paperbacks, old stereo...
read more
Can You Be Friends With a Bad Mom?Is it possible to stay friends with women when you can’t stand how they raise their kids?By Eliana Osborn
It started so perfectly: a new lady moved to town and sat next to me at church. Her baby was a little older than mine, dressed in the same Sam’s Club plaid overalls. It was an instant conversation starter and she made me laugh. Not long later,...
read more
ForgottenIt's another day on the forefront of battle for my child's soul.By Janna VoughtKamryn’s raging. It’s another day on the forefront of battle—a quest for my child’s soul. Hatred spews forth from her mouth, an eruption of unbridled anger. Her screams are deafening, so disturbing that our dogs flee for cover...
read more
I'm Proud of My Bad ParentingAt least I'm not doing meth.By Kristin AguilarI am not a perfect mother. Most of the time, I am not even a great mother. This week, though, reading the news… I have come to the conclusion that I probably qualify for the Mommy of the Year Award.
Just in this week alone, I have completely forgotten...
read more
Raising Unwired Kids in a Wired World'Out with the old, in with the new' doesn't work for me.By Jennifer Moon
I have a confession to make. I don't own a cell phone. Actually, it's worse than that. I don't own a microwave or a digital camera, either. There are no video games, no Kindles, and no flat screen TVs in our household. I don't Tweet,...
read more
Enzo in NicaraguaSeeing street kids in a whole new light.By JD Roberto It’s with no small amount of guilt that I shoo away a kid of about 8 who approaches me with a, “Hello, amigo.” Enzo doesn’t notice. We’re sitting on the front steps of our hotel, me poring over the map of Granada and him...
read more
Butterflies"Don’t. Touch. My. Butterflies. Daddy."By Josh Busch Our 3-year-old has a very liberal view on the role my wife and I play here at home. On the best of days, Victoria sees us as the commander of all fun things even remotely related to her, including (but not limited to): the television, the refrigerator,...
read more
Detachment ParentingAP? It's just not my thing.By Kelly ReisingAs a parent are you attached to your kids? Well, that seems to be kind of a silly question. Most, if not all, good parents are attached to their kids. It’s natural. You love them, you form a bond with them the minute you first look into their eyes...
read more
Detachment ParentingAP? It's just not my thing.By Kelly ReisingAs a parent are you attached to your kids? Well, that seems to be kind of a silly question. Most, if not all, good parents are attached to their kids. It’s natural. You love them, you form a bond with them the minute you first look into their eyes...
read more
Detachment ParentingAP? It's just not my thing.By Kelly ReisingAs a parent are you attached to your kids? Well, that seems to be kind of a silly question. Most, if not all, good parents are attached to their kids. It’s natural. You love them, you form a bond with them the minute you first look into their eyes...
read more
Baby No SleepingThe Giving-Up Guide for Parents Who Can't Get Their Kids to SleepBy Nell McCarthyBelow is a list of some of the things well-intentioned people told me to do to help my son sleep, number thirteen being my favorite:
“You have to get your son to nap, because if he goes to bed overtired, he’ll be too tired to sleep.”...
read more
VicariouslyI'm going to live vicariously through my son -- is that such a bad thing?By John VukelichI made her retake the test three times, just for accuracy. No, not the paternity test—I’m not that big of a tool—I’m referring to the evil, double pink line test. Prior to that, I thought the only reason to celebrate...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?The Ten Parenting Commandments, Turned Up to ElevenBy Kelley Cunningham1. Thou Shall Not Judge
Thou shall not make hasty judgments of other people’s kids’ transgressions, lest the Parenting Gods hear you and instantly smite you with a child who develops an obsessive fascination with eating his nose nuggets.
2....
read more
Long Journey on a Short BusDon’t Tell My Kid He’s OkayBy Karen MurphyEric and I were in a hotel lobby. We had a date to climb the stairs to the second floor together so he could see me watching him jump down them again one by one, but before we could do that I had some business to take care of with the people behind the...
read more
Dinner for OneNegotiations (Love Songs Optional)By Susan CourtadI know this is going to come as a shock to all of you, but let me state for the record:
Parenting is hard.
It’s exhausting, troubling at times, and purely a pain in the ass at others.
Oh, sure, there’s joy to be found somewhere in...
read more
Dinner for OneWeird and ExcitingBy Susan CourtadA few months ago I wrote about my relationship with my boyfriend, “J.” On Valentine’s Day he became my fiancé, and while my days of writing as a single Imperfect Parent are numbered, I couldn’t be happier.
In the month...
read more
Dinner for OneOf Lice and Men: A Tale of Big-Little ProportionsBy Susan CourtadOne pearl of wisdom I've learned since striking out on my own is that while divorce was a rather big, traumatic deal in my life, it seems it's more often the little things that can really make or break my day. Tiny gestures of love from a child like an...
read more
The View From HereStroller AnxietyBy Amy Sue NathanI kicked. I wiggled. I shook. I cursed. I banged.
I couldn't fold the stroller. Me, with my baby already in his car seat snuggly in the back of the car and our top-of-the-line Perego in the parking lot of the mall on our first official outing...
read more
Dinner for OneLose the E-X-P-E-C-T This Holiday SeasonBy Susan CourtadWith Thanksgiving behind us already, the holiday season’s in full swing. It’s not an easy time for any parent, but for single parents it often involves extra shopping carts of planning, paying and praying in an attempt to make a child’s...
read more
MomifestoWhat I learned the hard way through extreme Attachment ParentingBy Juliet Carson-MartinezThe other day I was catching up with a friend and hearing about her eight-month-old baby. It was like a newly-deployed soldier at the front talking to another who just finished a tour of duty. The conversation went something like this:
Friend: “I...
read more
Dinner for OneThe ABCs of Single Parent SurvivalBy Susan CourtadMy children are set to start another school year. You know what that means.
No, not a frantic dash to Target for new pencil cases and backpacks.
It’s the time of year when single parents everywhere need to do a little back-to-school shopping...
read more
Dinner for OneBrides, Boys and BellyachesBy Susan CourtadI always knew single parenthood would have its challenges, but I never imagined it would make me ill. Not ill-ill, thankfully, just a queasy kind of ill whenever certain subjects come up in our house. You know, like love, marriage and dating.
The first...
read more
Not Your Average Fairy TaleSaving Face: What to do when your girlfriend could care less about CaliforniaBy Melissa DoakI clicked on the BBC news. Hordes of couples were celebrating on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. I whooped.
“Look, Saads!” I pointed to the T.V. “California ruled lesbian and gay people can get married. Everyone’s lining...
read more
Dinner for OneHollywood’s Single Parents: Real or Really Wrong?By Susan CourtadIs it just me, or have single moms come into their own in Hollywood – or, dare I say, are in vogue in our celebrity-crazed world?
Solo parenting is nothing new, but being a single mom seems to be one of Tinsel Town’s latest hooks in promoting...
read more
Ask the Angry BabyCursing habits, sippy cups, co-sleeping sex, international travel, and saying "no"My 7-year-old has a habit of cursing. He occasionally does it in front of me, and I've heard he does it at school. How can I get him to stop?
Hmmm, that's a tough one... how does one get their kid to stop doing something... I dunno, did you try maybe...
read more
Not Your Average Fairy TaleThe Accidental AdoptionBy Melissa DoakOkay, you’re probably thinking there’s no such thing as an accidental adoption.
After all, in order to adopt you must do a variety of things that you can hardly do without meaning to. Things like showing caseworkers your home. Leaving...
read more
Not Your Average Fairy TaleThe Ghosts of Halloweens PastBy Melissa DoakTake One: Saadia in kindergarten. Only a few short and stormy months since she came to me. I was hanging on by a thread. My once-promising relationship with my fairly new girlfriend was on rocks… apparently it really killed the romance for her...
read more
Not Your Average Fairy TaleA Coming Out StoryBy Melissa Doak“You know what Miss Feldman told us today,” said a conspiratorial voice from the back seat. “She’s gay... EWWWW!!!”
At the outset I have to say I have changed the names here to protect the guilty. The girl who made this...
read more
What We Didn't Do This SummerOur summer was not a verb.By Sherry G. AntonettiThe other day I was flipping through a parent magazine and got depressed.
Apparently I was failing American summer motherhood.
Reflecting on all of June, July and August, we hadn't done anything of merit. My children were not enrolled in competitive...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?Need Guidance? Have Questions? Call 1-800-NUT-E-MOM!By Kelley Cunningham“Welcome to the Parent Help Line. Dial one for our automated menu options. Para el español, marcar por favor dos. Dial three at any time to speak to an operator. Dial four to speak to an operator who has children and knows what she’s...
read more
In TrainingTricks are for kids!By Danielle MutarelliOn some level I’m sure the following would be recognized as bad parenting, but we just can’t seem to help ourselves. You see, we like to teach our two and a half year old son Leo "tricks" solely for our amusement.
The most recent...
read more
The New APTrying to strike a balance.By Sherry OsborneBefore my first child Hayley was born, I expected that she would immediately sleep in her crib and in her own room. I had visions of getting up every three or four hours, nursing her in the rocking chair in the moonlight, burping her, and laying my sweet...
read more
The New APTrying to strike a balance.By Sherry OsborneBefore my first child Hayley was born, I expected that she would immediately sleep in her crib and in her own room. I had visions of getting up every three or four hours, nursing her in the rocking chair in the moonlight, burping her, and laying my sweet...
read more
Really? Things Will Change?Thanks for your two cents.By Rachel Pelta GolinkinWhen I was pregnant, people couldn’t help but give me their two cents (and four cents, and six cents and eight cents…). Apparently, people assumed I hadn’t thought this parent thing through and I wanted -– no, needed -–...
read more
Poor ReceptionCould I finally wean my family off TV?By Liz JonesI have never liked television, though you’d never know that if you saw me in a room with one. I immediately goggle any lit screen, and am released from its spell only when someone shuts it off. I just can’t detach from the visual stimulus,...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?“My Candle Burns at Both Ends” -- Poems by the great poets’ parents.
By Kelley CunninghamThe Passionate Shepherd to His Son
By Christopher Marlowe’s Dad
Come drive with me and just be quiet,
And we will live on a junk food diet
That valleys, groves, road trips, and fields,
Woods, or rest stop yields.
And we will sit upon the rocks
(If,...
read more
Growing PainsMotor CYCLE mama.By Elizabeth Thompson“Damn thing’s leaking oil again!”
I threw the wrench back into my tool box and squatted down closer to the engine for a better look. The wind began to pick up and the latest gust blew my short flowered skirt up over my hips. I jumped...
read more
Imperfect Single MomMy first plunge into online dating -- as a single mom.By Rachel SarahI recently took a plunge into online dating for my first time -- as a single mom.
"I am a warm and generous single mom seeking a respectful and cooperative man who dreams big with both feet on the ground."
I've been raising my six-year-old...
read more
Signed, The Laundry ManagementA new discovery while doing the wash.By Kimberly RipleyParenting woes hit hard when an unassuming mother or father becomes privy to information they’d just as soon not know. I think we’ve all worn blinders when discovering a hidden handwritten note or overhearing sordid details of a phone conversation....
read more
Dancing Between the Party LinesParenting makes it not so black and white.By Jennifer CumminsWhen it comes to politics, it seems that I have to watch where I step when it comes to forming a concrete opinion as to whether I am for one major party or the other. You see, I was raised a “Republican” because my father was in “big...
read more
Thank You, Dr. BrainMessages from my subconscious.By Bryan W. FieldsMy youngest daughter is running inside, breathless with excitement.
“Daddy, Daddy, the man from Rooms To Burn is here!”
I look out the window. Sure enough, a big white bobtail with colorful, happy letters is parked backwards in my driveway....
read more
Mama and More MamaThe only thing that matters is love and respect.By Gabriel ConstansOn a network show about gay parenting and during her fight in Florida over gay adoption, former talk show host, comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell talked about her and her partner raising their adopted children. When she was asked how the youngest...
read more
Mama and More MamaThe only thing that matters is love and respect.By Gabriel ConstansOn a network show about gay parenting and during her fight in Florida over gay adoption, former talk show host, comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell talked about her and her partner raising their adopted children. When she was asked how the youngest...
read more
TP ProclamationThe transition period starts tomorrow.By Karen BatkaDear Family,
Do not be alarmed if you are sitting on the toilet and have found this post-it note in place of the usual roll of toilet paper. The reason for this change of procedure is the result of great strides in my therapy. It is imperative for me...
read more
Just Say NoThe power of two letters.By Kim MontesThe request was simple. My 9-year-old daughter wanted the latest toy and asked if I would buy it. After a few minutes of consideration, I launched into the answer. “Sweetheart, it’s really not a good idea. You’ll see – everyone...
read more
Just Say NoThe power of two letters.By Kim MontesThe request was simple. My 9-year-old daughter wanted the latest toy and asked if I would buy it. After a few minutes of consideration, I launched into the answer. “Sweetheart, it’s really not a good idea. You’ll see – everyone...
read more
Supermarket EpiphanyRevelation on aisle six.By Amy Sue NathanEveryone was right. My kids did deserve to grow up with a mother who was happy. And I was. I was happy with my wonderful kids and my circle of French-manicured girlfriends, latte clutches, wine times and PTO. Who wouldn't be? Our newly decorated four-bedroom...
read more
Memo to MamaPlease review the following talking points.By Sonia ElabdM e m o r a n d u m
TO: Mama
RE: Me
Let me get straight to my point, Mama. Until a couple of months ago, things have gone pretty smoothly in my life. I’m not going to lie; things could be better. Lately, you’ve been showing your mean face...
read more
Kid SenseIf only more adults had it.By Michele Miles GardinerRaising kids would be a lot easier if adults weren’t involved. Sure, kids whine, beg, tend to be messy and basically act their age most of the time. But so many grown-ups, with enough years spent on this planet to know better, are more confused...
read more
The View From HereFor this city gal there was nothing better than suburban bliss.By Amy Sue NathanI wasn't sorry that all I wanted was a traditional, old-fashioned family life, yet I constantly found myself apologizing not only for having it, but also for not trying to change it. It was enough for me. It was fun and fulfilling and left me wanting...
read more
Dad vs. FatherAnyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.By Rollie AllaireIt’s amazing how two men can have a different outlook on their children. My ex-partner fathered two amazing boys. My current partner has been their dad for the last 7 years.
I have two boys -- Kasey is 9 and Michael is 11. The arrangement has...
read more
Snack InsanityThis organized snack thing has clearly gotten out of hand.By Zelda GormanThe conversation between the softball coach and the parent went like this…
Parent: Could I please have copies of the team roster and snack schedule?
Coach: Here’s the roster. We don’t do snack.
Parent: Oh, you didn’t print...
read more
Growing PainsA Christmas without Uncle Bud.By Elizabeth ThompsonThe headline read, “Hotel Blast in Baghdad Kills Two.”
I felt compelled to click on the “raw video” icon and it wasn’t due to some morbid sense of curiosity. I saw the quick flash of a face…a face of a soldier...
read more
Walking the TightropeEverything was fine until Susan screamed.By Tish DavidsonEverything was fine until Susan screamed. Lightning snapped overhead, overshadowed instantly by the crack of thunder. Ahead of me on a two-person chair lift, forty feet above the ground, my daughters cringed as the storm lashed around them. Six-year-old...
read more
Pulling Teeth"Is the dentist pulling my tooth out today?"By Sarah Raymond“Is the dentist pulling my tooth out today?” My son’s hand flew to his mouth. We were leaving the schoolyard.
“I think so. But don’t worry. It’s just a little tooth,” I muttered.
Last visit, the...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?I'll have an eggnog. And make it a double.By Kelley CunninghamWell, the Halloween candy has been condensed down to one bowl, and all of the Fun Size Snickers have been picked out of it. You know what that means. It’s time for Christmas preparation.
Am I the only one who dreads this time of year? I make Scrooge...
read more
Sick DaysI don't feel so good...By Peggy DuffyMy oldest succumbed first. She came downstairs in the gray light of a winter morning, her face blazing with an unhealthy flush.
“My head hurts,” she said.
A quick hand to her forehead confirmed what her glassy eyes had already revealed....
read more
The Bathroom Baby SagaA different kind of home birth.By Michelle Foreman KauthenI was 7 months pregnant that April, according to my new OB/GYN who did not speak very good English. My husband had left very early for work, so I was home with our three kids, all ages 5 and under, and my brother-in-law who was there to paint for us.
I...
read more
My Pregnant LungsJust breathe.By Juliet JohnsonI’ve gotten to know my lungs pretty personally in this last, ninth month. Before pregnancy I really had no relationship with my lungs. But since the baby has pushed his feet into the north end of what had always been lung occupied territory,...
read more
Growing PainsChicken Soup for the Aspetic SoulBy Elizabeth Thompson
"So, how bad is it? Do you need me to take a sick day?"
My husband’s eyes were fixed on the television as he continued to iron his dress shirt while waiting for my answer.
He didn’t get one.
I was sitting on the end of our...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?I resolve...By Kelley CunninghamIt’s the start of a new year, and that means it’s time for a fresh start. This year, O Mighty Being o’ the Clouds, I shall let the Evolved Woman/Smarty Pants/Total Babe Within shine.
La la la…where to begin? So many IMPROVEMENTS...
read more
The View From HereBah, love bug.By Amy Sue NathanThis time of year it seems like Cupid has his arrow pointed at my back instead of at my heart.
Although I tried to evade the ambush, I've gotten caught in the pink and red fluffy, furry, lacey, glittery, chocolaty store aisle and window display explosion...
read more
Growing PainsCAUTION: I Brake For Heaven’s Sake!By Elizabeth ThompsonMy husband and I spent weekends shopping around for our “starter home,” never expecting that the street in front of our new house would resemble a stock car race. Living those first few months as weekend warriors, the constant stream...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?Super(mom)model.By Kelley CunninghamI was watching the Today show the other morning, and two mothers were discussing with Meredith Vieira whether or not it was okay to have a cocktail during a playgroup. I cannot believe this is actually a topic worthy of a debate on national television....
read more
The View From HereBrushes with greatness.By Amy Sue NathanThere have been only two times in my son's life as a student that he has expressed even a modicum of enthusiasm in his studies.
Once, he was in sixth grade. His Social Studies class was learning about ancient Egypt. "Learning about ancient Egypt...
read more
Growing PainsWake me up when puberty ends.By Elizabeth ThompsonMy daughter (the middle girl child) woke up one morning, not too long ago, and was telling me about the dream she had concerning a certain rock-star-who-shall-not-be-named.
“Who?”
[nods head and yawns]
“You know, rock-star-who-shall-not-be-named,...
read more
Stage DadMy son's first day of work.By Clay ChamplinThe chubby, naked baby on our last Christmas card is the cutest damn thing you’ll ever see. I’m not just saying this because I’m the chubby, naked baby’s father, either -- my wife’s talent agency agrees. The woman who books...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?Mommy Mensa (or How the Kids Ate My Brain)By Kelley CunninghamA friend of mine told me that there is one month every year that you can take the Mensa test and, if you pass, join the eggheads of the world in their elite club.
I’m not sure what you would receive as a reward for achieving Mensa status. It’s...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?Mommy Mensa (or How the Kids Ate My Brain)By Kelley CunninghamA friend of mine told me that there is one month every year that you can take the Mensa test and, if you pass, join the eggheads of the world in their elite club.
I’m not sure what you would receive as a reward for achieving Mensa status. It’s...
read more
The View From HerePraise Moses and Pass the Matzah: A Passover PrimerBy Amy Sue NathanThe Easter Bunny and his entourage are back at the mall, and that means one thing to me.
Passover is coming.
Passover, the eight day celebration of the Israelites' exodus from slavery in ancient Egypt, is my favorite Jewish holiday,...
read more
Growing PainsHaving faith and eating meat, too.By Elizabeth ThompsonMy parents were not regular church-goers for various reasons -- personally, I believe that a large part was due to their trouble getting married in the eyes of the church because they were not being able to prove, conclusively (having defected from a...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?Green mommy.By Kelley CunninghamWhat does one do with old, outgrown toys and other kid detritus? It’s great if you have a small niece or nephew around to hand it all down to, and it’s more than admirable to donate it to the Salvation Army. Another option, though, is to reuse...
read more
The View From HereStaying on track.By Amy Sue NathanYesterday my eleven year old went to a friend's house after school. I spoke to the mother on the phone, and gave my permission for her to pick up my daughter along with her own. And I looked up their address online and through the magic of the Internet,...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?The Children's Learning InstituteBy Kelley CunninghamProfessor Emeritus: Dennis the Menace
Professors: Bam-Bam Rubble, Calvin and Hobbes, Eddie Haskell
Senior Lecturers: PigPen, Lucy VanPelt and Max from Where the Wild Things Are
Guest Lecturers: Everybody Else’s Kids
Course Offerings for the...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?WHAT did you just call me??By Kelley CunninghamThe other night I was reading a book about starfish to my youngest. As we counted the starfish’s fingers or whatever they are, he corrected me.
“Mom, they’re not called starfish anymore. They are SEA STARS. Teacher said.”
“Really?”...
read more
What We Don't GetBeing a devoted mother needs no excuses.By Kristy Dallas Alley
My husband recently subscribed my email address to receive the New York Times arts headlines everyday. His purpose in doing this was to give me something to talk about other than babies. So far, I have yet to open any of them. It’s not that I’m...
read more
First MomentsA mother stops to reflect on the little things.By Jennifer GrissomBefore I was a parent, I didn't really appreciate how poignant the small things can be. Now that I have children, the smallest things are so important to me and seem so much more monumental than I ever thought possible. Each milestone my children reach...
read more
My Mother Always Said...The neverending influence of Mom.The following items were found by entering "My mother always said" into the Google search engine.
My mother always said bats have rabies.
My mother always said I had a way with animals.
My mother always said I would never have any boyfriends...
read more
Our Son, the Man"Daddy" is noticibly missing from his vocabulary...By Prescott CarlsonHere is my quandry. My 3-year-old son has taken to calling me by my first name. I suspect he was up late one night and caught a viewing of To Kill a Mockingbird on AMC. But trust me, he's no Scout. He doesn't even own a pair of overalls, much less a giant...
read more
Growing PainsA man's place.By Elizabeth ThompsonMy father was your average "waiting room husband" - the father-to-be you’d typically find in a hospital during the early 1960’s - he paced, he sat, and he chain smoked his Marlboros.
For hours, my dad shared cigarettes and stories...
read more
What's the Matter With Mommy?Kelley the WonderMom’s School of Hard KnocksBy Kelley CunninghamMost of us went through Lamaze or some such class to prepare us for the miracle of birth. Dontcha think it would be more useful to have classes that prepared us for the real pangs of raising children? I think I’m going to start my own school. There’s...
read more
Rugrat ReprieveIt’s Hot. It’s Tired. It’s Summer.By Rachael BrownellLet’s say (hypothetically) that your kids are bored, hot, and eating too much junk food and watching too much television this Summer. You’ve used all your vacation time and don’t have the money to take time off of work to go to the beach,...
read more
