| Category: Columnists |
Not Your Average Fairy Tale
Saving Face: What to do when your girlfriend could care less about California
By Melissa Doak
I 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Dinner for One
Hollywood’s Single Parents: Real or Really Wrong?
By Susan Courtad
Is 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 |
| Category: Humor |
Ask the Angry Baby
Cursing 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Not Your Average Fairy Tale
The Accidental Adoption
By Melissa Doak
Okay, 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Not Your Average Fairy Tale
The Ghosts of Halloweens Past
By Melissa Doak
Take 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Not Your Average Fairy Tale
A Coming Out Story
By 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
What We Didn't Do This Summer
Our summer was not a verb.
By Sherry G. Antonetti
The 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
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 |
| Category: Parenting |
In Training
Tricks are for kids!
By Danielle Mutarelli
On 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
The New AP
Trying to strike a balance.
By Sherry Osborne
Before 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
The New AP
Trying to strike a balance.
By Sherry Osborne
Before 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 |
| Category: Humor |
Really? Things Will Change?
Thanks for your two cents.
By Rachel Pelta Golinkin
When 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Poor Reception
Could I finally wean my family off TV?
By Liz Jones
I 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
“My Candle Burns at Both Ends” -- Poems by the great poets’ parents.
By Kelley Cunningham
The 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Growing Pains
Motor 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Imperfect Single Mom
My first plunge into online dating -- as a single mom.
By Rachel Sarah
I 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Signed, The Laundry Management
A new discovery while doing the wash.
By Kimberly Ripley
Parenting 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 |
| Category: Politics/Society |
Dancing Between the Party Lines
Parenting makes it not so black and white.
By Jennifer Cummins
When 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 |
| Category: Humor |
Thank You, Dr. Brain
Messages from my subconscious.
By Bryan W. Fields
My 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Mama and More Mama
The only thing that matters is love and respect.
By Gabriel Constans
On 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Mama and More Mama
The only thing that matters is love and respect.
By Gabriel Constans
On 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
TP Proclamation
The transition period starts tomorrow.
By Karen Batka
Dear 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Just Say No
The power of two letters.
By Kim Montes
The 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Just Say No
The power of two letters.
By Kim Montes
The 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Supermarket Epiphany
Revelation on aisle six.
By Amy Nathan
Everyone 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 |
| Category: Humor |
Memo to Mama
Please review the following talking points.
By Sonia Elabd
M 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Kid Sense
If only more adults had it.
By Michele Miles Gardiner
Raising 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
The View From Here
For this city gal there was nothing better than suburban bliss.
By Amy Nathan
I 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Baby No Sleeping
The Giving-Up Guide for Parents Who Can't Get Their Kids to Sleep
By Nell McCarthy
Below 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Dad vs. Father
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.
By Rollie Allaire
It’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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Detachment Parenting
AP? It's just not my thing.
By Kelly Reising
As 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Detachment Parenting
AP? It's just not my thing.
By Kelly Reising
As 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Detachment Parenting
AP? It's just not my thing.
By Kelly Reising
As 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Snack Insanity
This organized snack thing has clearly gotten out of hand.
By Zelda Gorman
The 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Growing Pains
A Christmas without Uncle Bud.
By Elizabeth Thompson
The 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Walking the Tightrope
Everything was fine until Susan screamed.
By Tish Davidson
Everything 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
I'll have an eggnog. And make it a double.
By Kelley Cunningham
Well, 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 |
| Category: Lifestyle |
Sick Days
I don't feel so good...
By Peggy Duffy
My 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
The Bathroom Baby Saga
A different kind of home birth.
By Michelle Foreman Kauthen
I 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
My Pregnant Lungs
Just breathe.
By Juliet Johnson
I’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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Growing Pains
Chicken Soup for the Aspetic Soul
By 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
I resolve...
By Kelley Cunningham
It’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 |
| Category: Columnists |
The View From Here
Bah, love bug.
By Amy Nathan
This 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Growing Pains
CAUTION: I Brake For Heaven’s Sake!
By Elizabeth Thompson
My 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
Super(mom)model.
By Kelley Cunningham
I 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
The View From Here
Brushes with greatness.
By Amy Nathan
There 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Growing Pains
Wake me up when puberty ends.
By Elizabeth Thompson
My 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Stage Dad
My son's first day of work.
By Clay Champlin
The 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
Mommy Mensa (or How the Kids Ate My Brain)
By Kelley Cunningham
A 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
Mommy Mensa (or How the Kids Ate My Brain)
By Kelley Cunningham
A 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
The View From Here
Praise Moses and Pass the Matzah: A Passover Primer
By Amy Nathan
The 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Growing Pains
Having faith and eating meat, too.
By Elizabeth Thompson
My 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
Green mommy.
By Kelley Cunningham
What 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
The View From Here
Staying on track.
By Amy Nathan
Yesterday 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
The Children's Learning Institute
By Kelley Cunningham
Professor 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
WHAT did you just call me??
By Kelley Cunningham
The 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
What We Don't Get
Being 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
First Moments
A mother stops to reflect on the little things.
By Jennifer Grissom
Before 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 |
| Category: Parenting |
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 |
| Category: Parenting |
Our Son, the Man
"Daddy" is noticibly missing from his vocabulary...
By Prescott Carlson
Here 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Growing Pains
A man's place.
By Elizabeth Thompson
My 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
Kelley the WonderMom’s School of Hard Knocks
By Kelley Cunningham
Most 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 |
| Category: Columnists |
Rugrat Reprieve
It’s Hot. It’s Tired. It’s Summer.
By Rachael Brownell
Let’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 |
