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Parenting

The Imperfect Parent's archive of parenting articles and essays

Parenting Methods:

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,... read more

He's a Baby, Not an Accessory
"You have to bring the baby!"
By Rachel Pelta Golinkin
*Ring, ring* Hello? Hi, it’s me. Just wanted to see if... read more

Knock, Knock
Technology opened doors for my daughter.
By Misty Karam
Our youngest daughter stands at the door, knocking loudly. She raises her eyebrows and points to her... read more

More Parenting Methods


Family Size:

Born (Child)Free
Some breed, some screed...
By Alan Thomas
Childfree. A clever appellation for a group of people who are “childless by choice”, the... read more

Everyone's Opinion
It takes a village -- a nosy, busybody, opinionated village.
By Jennifer Grissom
Deciding to have a child is certainly one of the biggest decisions that a person will ever make in their... read more

Going Sterile
We're done.
By Laura Shovan
The instant my kids lost their baby pudge – friends thought it was high time to ask, “Are... read more

More Family Size


Nutrition & Health:

Donuts Anonymous
Hi, my name is Karrie and I'm a donutaholic.
By Karrie McAllister
We moms, including myself, talk a big game when it comes to the extreme measures we take to feed our... read more

Pocket Full of Crypto-nite
Everybody poops.
By Angela Patton
My son recently earned himself a 48-hour suspension from preschool. It’s hard to imagine what sort of... read more

It's Not My Fault!
Finally, we have a scapegoat!
By Kerrie Flanagan
Just when I think our world cannot get any crazier I pick up the newspaper and see the headline, "Activists... read more

More Nutrition & Health


General Parenting:

Being Literal
A Cesarean delivery is permanent birth control.
By Carolyn Aspenson
Usually a locked door means, “you’re not getting in”, but not at my house. Here... read more

Myth Buster
The Tooth Fairy and my middle child.
By Alexandra Gordon
When it comes to the imaginary beings that visit our children for various occasions, I think we parents... read more

Pieces
Someday they will fit together again.
By Ashley Hogan
He’s 18 months old. I’m chasing him down, a diaper flapping in my hand as I stutter along behind him... read more

More General Parenting


Child Behavior:

Old Yeller
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??
By Juliet Johnson
In my twenties, there were days – maybe weeks -- that went by where I never spoke much or even... read more

Willow Trees
By T. Jackson Anderson
I hate willow trees and my daughters used to be in diapers. What’s the point you ask?... read more

Stretch Marks
Can I just jump straight to grandmother-hood?
By Angelique Johnston
I want to be a grandmother. Yes, I’ve decided that is why I started this journey into motherhood. I am... read more

More Child Behavior


Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding:

Lactation In Style
Is this pump the new Prada?
By Amy Yelin
Finally -- the ultimate in high-fashion breast pumps is here! As its name implies, the Pump... read more

(No) Thanks for the Mammaries
The best-laid plans...
By Rosie Gorelik
In 1998 most moms-to-be knew that breast was best way to feed their babies, but I had my doubts. Having... read more

I Am Not a Bad Mommy
Dispelling the evils of formula feeding.
By Victoria Clayton Munn
“Are you planning to breastfeed or bottle feed?”... read more

More Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding


Family:

Family Vacations Gone Awry
Sometimes surviving a family vacation takes more than sunscreen and bug repellent.
By Aimee Cirucci
Family vacations are as American as apple pie, and as seasonal as watermelon. As we bask in summer sun,... read more

My Brother's Keeper?!?
A four-year-old's journey into sibling-dom.
By Jessica Carlson
Could I really blame my oldest son for resenting our brand new blob of joy? After all, Holden was used... read more

Formerly a Mom
The other end of the spectrum.
By Jacki Harris
As I sat in my rocking chair not long ago, I vividly recalled scooping a sobbing child into my arms and... read more

More Family


Child Safety:

The Predator's Web
Child predators find safe haven and support online.

Most parents certainly have an awareness of the threats of children being online, where they can easily... read more

Handle With Care
Caution: filling may be hot when dropped on an infant.
By Jay Allen
A few nights back Kim and I were scrambling to get dinner together before she had to dash off. Amidst... read more

Cyber Warriors
A new breed of superheroes battle online child predators.

Like watching a presentation of what goes on in a slaughterhouse while eating a steak dinner, sometimes... read more

More Child Safety


Pregnancy:

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.... read more

Second Time Around
Me and my lists.
By Candace Juman Martin
I’m pregnant again. This comes at a time when I’m not quite sure that I even know what... read more

The Test
Denial's not a river in Egypt...
By Glen Dudasik
It was the proverbial 400-pound gorilla and it followed us everywhere. It was with us when we went... read more

More Pregnancy


Grief/Loss:

Not Another Flower
By Alice J. Wisler
There was a day when the sun ceased to shine. You may have missed it; it didn’t make the headlines... read more

More Grief/Loss


Love & Marriage:

The Warp Speed Of Sexuality
Sometimes living in the age of sexuality is tiring.
By Lauri Kubuitsile
Sometimes living in the age of sexuality is tiring. Don’t get me wrong; I like sex despite the... read more

Dear Trey
A colorful love letter on this day of the patron saint of candy hearts and chocolate.
By Misty Nuckolls
A few months ago, my husband Trey and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. I know that doesn't... read more

Scientific Studies from the Male Point of View
What's behind door number two?
By Karen Laven
Men are warped in their own, unique way. That is not a newsflash. What never ceases... read more

More Love & Marriage


All of the Parenting archive:

Parenting Methods:

Baby No Sleeping
The Giving-Up Guide for Parents Who Can't Get Their Kids to Sleep
By Nell McCarthy

Co-Sleep or No Sleep
Why I chose to share my bed.
By Candace Juman Martin

Detachment Parenting
AP? It's just not my thing.
By Kelly Reising

From the Gentle Discipline Files
Seemingly an oxymoron.
By Stacey Greenberg

He's a Baby, Not an Accessory
"You have to bring the baby!"
By Rachel Pelta Golinkin

Hypocrisy
Learning to let go.
By Mary Ellen Galloway

Just Say No
The power of two letters.
By Kim Montes

Knock, Knock
Technology opened doors for my daughter.
By Misty Karam

Mommy I'm A Gas Station
We've all been there... right?!
By Antigone Arthur

Nature vs. Nurture
You're gonna turn him gay.
By Cindy Morrow

New Use for a Mannequin
Being cheap takes creativity.
By Silvana Clark

Our Son, the Man
"Daddy" is noticibly missing from his vocabulary...
By Prescott Carlson

Poor Reception
Could I finally wean my family off TV?
By Liz Jones

Queen of Nags
Mommy needed her serfs to self-govern.
By Kelly Curtis

Roles of a Father
My son is no longer master of his domain.
By Dave Seyfried

That Mom
Is this what they think of me or what I think of me?
By Candace Juman Martin

The Little White Pill
Was my daughter doing drugs?
By Mary Laufer

The New AP
Trying to strike a balance.
By Sherry Osborne

The Peanut Gallery
What do cowboys and marionettes have to do with sex?
By Scott Warner

Who's the Fuddy Duddy?
My, how times have changed.
By Erica Manfred

Family Size:

Born (Child)Free
Some breed, some screed...
By Alan Thomas

Everyone's Opinion
It takes a village -- a nosy, busybody, opinionated village.
By Jennifer Grissom

Going Sterile
We're done.
By Laura Shovan

My Only Child
There can be only one.
By Victoria Clayton Munn

Oops, I Did It Again
I've been promoted to "father of two"
By Prescott Carlson

Spinach and Birth Control
Doing my part.
By Bryan W. Fields

Nutrition & Health:

A Gourmet Wannabe Drops Out
I'm throwing in the kitchen towel.
By Sherry G. Antonetti

Colic
This is not how it was supposed to be.
By Nancy Bleemer

Complainer or Advocate?
What does it take to make a change for the better?
By Joy Jarman-Walsh

Doctor, Heal Thyself
Why is an m.d. spewing advice about child psychology?
By Prescott Carlson

Donuts Anonymous
Hi, my name is Karrie and I'm a donutaholic.
By Karrie McAllister

Gene Pool Dating?
Women, let this be a guide; don’t worry about being rejected by a boyfriend because he doesn’t love you.
By Jennifer Cummins

HMOM
Attention all expectant mothers: be your own healthcare advocate!
By Pam Mitchell Mangas

It's Not My Fault!
Finally, we have a scapegoat!
By Kerrie Flanagan

Parenting After Breast Cancer
Raising kids after the "Big C".
By Julia Nelson

Pocket Full of Crypto-nite
Everybody poops.
By Angela Patton

Pole Dancing Mama
My new exercise routine.
By Esme Mills

Sick Days
I don't feel so good...
By Peggy Duffy

Sugar On My Mind
Why I became a sugar addict, and why my mother is to blame.
By Melanie Springer Mock

Third Millennium Mom
Combining 50s home-goodness with today’s work ethic – is this a realistic expectation for women?
By Rita Fiorentino

Want Fries With That Cow?
My son contemplates the origin of meat.
By Prescott Carlson

General Parenting:

A Mother's Day Wish
Remembering Mom.
By Lori Sender

Adjusting
I don't know how you do it.
By Kristy Dallas Alley

Baby Preschool
A new kind of homeschooling.
By Beth Hering

Before and After
What a difference 6 years makes.
By Kimberly Younkin

Being Literal
A Cesarean delivery is permanent birth control.
By Carolyn Aspenson

Being the Mom
It's my turn to play dress-up.
By Kim Montes

Blood Trolls
My foster home for abandoned bands.
By Joy Greenberg

Chew Marks
The conflict between the parenting and creative experience.
By Arianne Cope

Curse of the Diaper Genie
Going nuclear.
By Anne Nahm

Daisy Guilt
Overcoming my Post-Traumatic Girl Scout Stress Disorder.
By Joan Alexander

Dating the Preschool Parents
What should I wear?
By Juliet Johnson

Doing Their Jobs
All in a kid's days work
By Lizbeth Finn-Arnold

Fear Factor Day
Don't try this at home.
By Jan Castagnaro

First Grade
Mother, daughter, saved.
By Miriam Peskowitz

First Moments
A mother stops to reflect on the little things.
By Jennifer Grissom

Football Banter
The Super Bowl brings back football memories.
By Diane Payne

He's Making a List
Santa is more real than ever.
By Lauri Griffin

Here's To The Rest of Us
Happy Mother's Day, dammit.
By Misty Nuckolls

In Training
Tricks are for kids!
By Danielle Mutarelli

International Kids
Globetrotting with children presents unique challenges.
By Lesley Robinson

Invasion of the Barbie Dolls
The blonde bombshell made a sneak attack on our playroom.
By Alexandra Gordon

Kid Sense
If only more adults had it.
By Michele Miles Gardiner

Leaps and Bounds
A super hero we can look up to.
By Jennifer Strain

Life's Not Fair
No tooth, no money.
By Felice Prager

Mama's Intuition
I seem to be missing something.
By Regina Walker

Mommy Material? Not Me!
I'm just not a plop-down person.
By Hyla Sabesin Finn

My Journey Through Bipolar Motherhood
One mom's unconventional route to becoming a parent.
By Laura Yeager

My Mother Always Said...
The neverending influence of Mom.

My Super *Bleep* Sixteen
By Cyn Vela

Myth Buster
The Tooth Fairy and my middle child.
By Alexandra Gordon

Not So Merry Go Round
I lost my youth at the carnival.
By Emma Yenko

On Second Chances
There's always tomorrow.
By Angela Patton

Our Gang
No parents allowed.
By Lori Sender

Pieces
Someday they will fit together again.
By Ashley Hogan

Poor Cindermama
What's a mom got to do to get to the ball?
By Lizbeth Finn-Arnold

Project Runaway
I like shopping... by myself.
By Melanie Lynne Hauser

Pulling Teeth
"Is the dentist pulling my tooth out today?"
By Sarah Raymond

REM Commando
Queen Super Sleep strikes back
By Kim Lachance Shandrow

Sanity At Stake: Direct Market Diapers
I'm more than a demographic.
By Nancy Rabinowitz

Signed, The Laundry Management
A new discovery while doing the wash.
By Kimberly Ripley

Stage Dad
My son's first day of work.
By Clay Champlin

Starting Over
What will you do?
By Rita Fiorentino

TGIF
SAHMs look forward to Friday, too.
By Elizabeth Thompson

The Barney Question
In defense of the purple dinosaur everyone loves to hate.
By Candace Juman Martin

The Bathing Suits
How we went to the beach after giving birth.
By Stacy Mintzer Herlihy

The Dinner Hour
Parenting is nothing if not humbling.
By Jamie Pearson

The Driving Lesson
My heart's still beating fast.
By Susan Stephenson

The Drowning Pool
Sink or swim.
By Rosie Gorelik

The Elusive Playdate
It's the dating game all over again.
By Lori Sender

The Living Will
My daughter's will may be greater than my own...
By Diane Payne

The Mighty Mississippi
Ol' Man River's got nothing on me.
By Linda Downing Miller

The Pool Party
By Christina Deanne

The Swing Set
If you build it, they will prefer the old one.
By Angie Weatherly

Walking the Tightrope
Everything was fine until Susan screamed.
By Tish Davidson

Watermarked Dreams
Has a simple stain become my omen?
By Karen Pruitt Fowler

What We Didn't Do This Summer
Our summer was not a verb.
By Sherry G. Antonetti

What We Don't Get
Being a devoted mother needs no excuses.
By Kristy Dallas Alley

You Can't Take It With You
I just want to take it. Just this. Nothing else.
By Juliet Johnson

Child Behavior:

Alizilla
Tokyo had it easy.
By Andrea Finefrock

Don't Think You're So Important
Get off your parenting high horse.
By Lauri Kubuitsile

Expectations
Our kids don't always follow the program.
By Jennifer Grissom

First Flight
A look at the fear of flying... with an infant.
By Tracy B. McGinnis

Five Little Monkeys
Further proof of a missing link.
By Heidi Campbell

I'm the Mom (Like It or Not)
You had to get up and pee, didn't you?
By Jamie Odeneal

Imelda in the Making
Carrie Bradshaw would be proud.
By Stacey Greenberg

Language Acquisition
My kids are expanding their vocabularies...
By Joanna Nesbit

Old Yeller
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??
By Juliet Johnson

Peace Now, Not War
Peacemaking starts at home.
By Kate Haas

Stretch Marks
Can I just jump straight to grandmother-hood?
By Angelique Johnston

The Consequences
Meet your new family.
By Carmella Van Vleet

The Master Mind
On the brink of insanity.
By Andrea Atkinson

The Note
Where could he have gone?
By Michelle Kennedy

Tough Girl
My daughter has an aggressive streak.
By Susan Cuadrado

When It's Someone Else's Child
It takes a village?
By Bryan Johnston

Where Did My Baby Go?
Don't you wish they could stay little forever? No, really!
By Jennifer Grissom

Whose Poop Is This?
I’ve become a shit archaeologist.
By Margaret Curran

Willow Trees
By T. Jackson Anderson

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding:

(No) Thanks for the Mammaries
The best-laid plans...
By Rosie Gorelik

I Am Not a Bad Mommy
Dispelling the evils of formula feeding.
By Victoria Clayton Munn

Imperfections
Further defining the "right to choose".
By Jessica Carlson

It Was My Choice
On breastfeeding, medication, and choices.
By Lindsey Rock

Lactation In Style
Is this pump the new Prada?
By Amy Yelin

Machinery I Have Loved
The love between a mother and her pump knows no bounds.
By Stacey Greenberg

Family:

A Frog Named French Fry
With my three boys, he didn't have a chance...
By Kelly Miller

Burial at Sea
We gather here today to celebrate Beatil...
By Angie Weatherly

Family Vacations Gone Awry
Sometimes surviving a family vacation takes more than sunscreen and bug repellent.
By Aimee Cirucci

Formerly a Mom
The other end of the spectrum.
By Jacki Harris

My Brother's Keeper?!?
A four-year-old's journey into sibling-dom.
By Jessica Carlson

Sleeping In
My first morning of staying in bed late -- sort of.
By Daphne Dykeman

Snack Insanity
This organized snack thing has clearly gotten out of hand.
By Zelda Gorman

The Great Cake War
Officer Black Forest reporting for duty.
By JD Jolicoeur

Child Safety:

Basement Dweller
Hey neighbor! Can I borrow a cup of crack?
By Robin Dutton-Cookston

Chris Hansen
The famous face of the To Catch a Predator series talks about his motivation, his new book, and the most disturbing thing he's witnessed during production.

Cyber Warriors
A new breed of superheroes battle online child predators.

Handle With Care
Caution: filling may be hot when dropped on an infant.
By Jay Allen

The Predator's Web
Child predators find safe haven and support online.

Pregnancy:

Birth Control
Whatever happened to the waiting room?
By Timothy J. Coles

My Pregnant Lungs
Just breathe.
By Juliet Johnson

Second Time Around
Me and my lists.
By Candace Juman Martin

Speedy Delivery
Want a fast labor? Think again.
By Melanie Henson

The Bathroom Baby Saga
A different kind of home birth.
By Michelle Foreman Kauthen

The Test
Denial's not a river in Egypt...
By Glen Dudasik

Grief/Loss:

Not Another Flower
By Alice J. Wisler

Love & Marriage:

Dear Trey
A colorful love letter on this day of the patron saint of candy hearts and chocolate.
By Misty Nuckolls

Finding True Romance
Your husband vs. sexy ghost.
By Lizbeth Finn-Arnold

How to Get Laid
Dads, there is nothing sexier than doing the dishes... except vacuuming
By Stacey Greenberg

Scientific Studies from the Male Point of View
What's behind door number two?
By Karen Laven

The Warp Speed Of Sexuality
Sometimes living in the age of sexuality is tiring.
By Lauri Kubuitsile

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"A diamond with a flaw is worth more than a pebble without imperfections." -- Chinese Proverb