On Bellies and Exhaling: The Lessons My Daughters Have Taught Me
I make fat babies. All four of them have been squishy things with rolls in their thighs and a few chins and the kind of big rosy cheeks that you could just chew on. After the first couple, I just c...
Standing Strong in the Face of Adversity
Being gay isn’t a disease, nor is it a choice. My partner (now wife) and I felt the pain of not living up to the hallmark heteronormative relationship during our early military lives. We lived in f...
People Sure Do Love A Good Placenta
My mind is blown over some of the things that people make out of their placenta.
How Movies Can Build Kids' Character - and the Ones That Do It Well
Has your kid ever misbehaved like Alvin from the Chipmunks movies? Or mean-girled her friends like the Bratz dolls? Don't feel bad. Kids pick up all kinds of things from movies. But they can just a...
The Future Is Love and It’s in My Kitchen
It's hard to feel powerless when we stop looking at the world out there and look at the world in here: in our kitchens and in our family rooms and our beds.
An Ode to Sisters-in-law, and Love
Why is there no holiday celebrating in-laws? What a unique gift, to gain new parents and siblings halfway through life.
How Grandma Shared Important Life Lessons
My grandmother would be 100 this year if she were still alive. I consider myself fortunate that she was an active presence in my life. She got to meet my children and the older ones have fond memor...
Why Every Boy Needs A Princess As His Role Model
It’s not what I’d expected, but giving my son a doll just might be the best thing I can do for him.
5 Ways Parents Can Save the Planet
Saving the planet isn’t going to be easy. Here are five ways parents can help.
Writing Is My Peaceful Rebellion – Find Yours
Inside each one of us is a restless soul trying to find purpose. This is how it has always been, and hopefully, this is how it always will be. I believe this to be true for males, females, adults, ...
How to Wear Converse in Almost Any Situation
You may be wondering why you would wear Converse sneakers so often that you would need a guide for it. Fair question. For starters, you can send the same messages with sneakers that you can with f...
10 Things I'm Going to Stop Feeling Guilty About
It took me over a year to understand that guilt felt and fueled by actions that allow me some sanity is the definition of insanity itself.
5 Essential Things Kids Need to Make It Out There in the Real World
By highlighting the importance of grit, independence, discipline, character, and presence, you’ll prepare your children for successful, fulfilling futures.
How Star Wars Helped Me Embrace My Baby’s Helmet
Even though knowing my daughter's helmet would help was reason enough to appreciate it, making it a work of art was what helped us fully embrace it.
The Importance of Setting Family Goals – and How to Do It
As common as personal goals are for most of us, the vast majority of families have never given thought to setting goals for their family.
Toddlers Are the Most Chivalrous of Us All
When it comes to being generally cheerful, excited, and happy to see you, no one does it better than toddlers.
5 Family Films That Celebrate Boy-Girl Friendships
Boys and girls often play together in real life, but it’s rare for media or advertisements to reflect this. Here are five great films that do.
10 Least Annoying Children's Books to Give New Parents
How do you set the stage for this child’s intellectual future while taking mom and dad’s sanity into consideration? With these books.
Can Daniel Tiger Teach You How to Be a Better Parent?
I’ve noticed that a lot of these Daniel Tiger messages translate surprisingly well to grownup life – and specifically to parenting.
Rediscovering Awe in the World Through the Eyes of My Sons
This assimilation of my children’s awe is one of my favorite parts of being a mom. It feels like a gift their youth can offer my age.
How Reality TV Made Me a Better Mom
Watching other people pursue their passions reminded me that my kids should see me do the same.
How to Cultivate Compassion for Your Active Kid in a Sit-Down World
I don't want my kids to sit still and be quiet. I want them to be appropriately kid-like.
5 Things I Learned About Marriage From My Best Friend’s Divorce
By witnessing the demise of my best friend's marriage, I learned not to ignore these five fundamental issues.
Laurie Kilmartin on Life, Death, and the Jokes That See Us Through
Comedian and Emmy-nominated writer Laurie Kilmartin live-tweeted her father's death. She talks to us about love, laughs, and letting go.