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Parenthood

8 Date Night Ideas for Exhausted Parents

Getting out for date night requires childcare. As we all know, good sitters are rare, not to mention expensive. Stay home instead. Here are 8 fun ideas.

Parenthood father holding daughter in hands

5 Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts for Dads

This freaking holiday. So much pressure!  No one even asks what dads want. So we asked. And these are the top five things to make their Valentine's Day.

Parenthood boy with piggy bank

Why and How to Include Your Kids In the Family Finances

Losing your house makes you really appreciate the importance of money management. Now I pass those values and skills on to my kids through everyday tasks.

Parenthood mother holding child

How to Talk with Kids About Tragedy

Time and time again, we're faced with explaining the unexplainable to our kids. Here are 4 key points to keep in mind when talking about tragedy with your little ones.

Parenthood grandparents with grandchild

Is the Role of Grandparents to Spoil Their Grandchildren?

Two writers face off on the topic of grandparental spoiling. Is it harmless or not? Plus, tips for how to spoil within the limits of a family's boundaries and values.

Parenthood 5 Steps To Raising A Viking Child

5 Steps To Raising A Viking Child

Here are five steps to help you raise your own little Viking, Scandinavian-style, through outdoor play.

Parenthood little girl and senior granny show binoculars of fingers

Dear Grandparents: The Complete Rules for Babysitting My Children

We really appreciate the help. But seriously, we're going to have to get a few things straight before we leave the kids in your care, grandma and grandpa.

Parenthood Heart shape in different colors

3 Hands-On Ways to Teach Kids Love Is Love

Raise a generation of open minds and open hearts.

Parenthood three hands being put on each other.

To Bring Your Family Closer, Share Your Stories

Storytelling is a dying art, but it’s a beautiful one that connects generations. I want to be able to pass on some of my history to him, just as my Mimi did for me.

Parenthood father feeding son with a bottle

Bottle Is Best For Us And That's Okay

Formula feeding my son was not a decision made lightly. Let's stop the shaming and embrace that there are different great ways to raise a healthy baby.

Parenthood Woman with head back and arms outstretched

Mindfulness, Meal Planning, and Other Ways I'm Failing

I’m not good at doing all the Pinterest things people who throw out phrases like “life hacks” and “mindful parenting” say I’m supposed to be doing. Maybe that's okay.

Parenthood mother and son in rain coats holding

Why I Let My Toddler Wear His Boots on the Wrong Feet

I’ve decided to let it go and let my toddler wear his boots on the wrong feet. Letting go of control in this area brings a handful of important reminders to mind.

Parenthood baby boy wearing sunglasses and hat on a tiny inflatable swim ring

5 Totally Ridiculous Ways to Get Through January with Children

Here are five zany ways to make my least favorite time of year bearable, maybe even, dare I say it, fun.

Parenthood Happy little child girl  jumping on bed and mother looking at her happily

One Thing Parents Should Resolve in the New Year In Order to Bring More Joy

My resolution for 2024 is to find more joy in my life right now and to stop comparing my life, to others - especially the lives of others on social media.

Parenthood father and son

10 Things I Love (and Will Miss) About My Kids’ Toddler Years

The years from one to three are often as physically exhausting as they are mentally. But when they're over, the things you miss can be surprising.

Parenthood girl holding book on her head

6 Fundamental Things That Keep Kids Motivated

One of the greatest challenges parents and teachers face is keeping kids motivated. These six fundamental things can help, and they're simple to implement.

19 Things I Hope I've Taught My Daughter Before Her 18th Birthday

My dear daughter, here are the 18 things I hope I've taught you in your 18 years of childhood.

Parenthood Mother feeding milk to baby

When Moms Can’t Obtain Milk Through a Milk Bank, Peer-To-Peer Networks Provide What They Need

With over 90 percent of milk being shared in the U.S. being shared through informal channels, it seems worthy of exploration.

Parenthood mom and daughter sitting on a porch

10 Lazy Ways to Be a Better Parent

You don't have to pour over all the parenting books and take classes to be a better parent. There are far less complicated ways of doing that.

Parenthood woman relaxing on her living room sofa

Rest Isn't Out of Reach, You Just Need to Recognize It

It may seem like your day is full to the brim, but you and I both know there's always room for a little milk. And by "milk" I mean rest and relaxation.

Parenthood woman holding baby

Why I Quit Breastfeeding: A Sober Mom's Story

I quit breastfeeding because I wasn't showing up as the strongest version of myself. Sometimes quitting makes us winners.

Parenthood Playing with sphere marbles

Rewards Don’t Work – Here’s What Does

While a reward system may get kids into the habit of behaving in the desired manner, it’s not a long-term solution.

Parenthood digital tablet in lounge airport

4 Upsides of Having a Partner Who Travels for Work

Work puts food on the table and travel is often inevitable, so, in that spirit, I give you some of the upsides, if, like me, you need a little help spinning it.

Parenthood father mother and child

How to Share the Mental Responsibilities of Parenthood 

The cognitive burdens my husband had been shouldering had been largely invisible to me, and the same had been true for him. Here's how to make a change.