Health & Safety
Would You Review a Bad Nanny Online?
So you had to fire the nanny or sitter or leave the daycare suddenly. Do you just move on? Or do you write it up so other parents are informed?
Relationships
The Unhappy Housewife-to-Be
Amalah tackles a common problem: disagreements over household division of responsibilities between out-of-the-home-working and stay-at-home parents.
Big Kid
How to Stop Your Kids From Having Sex Too Early*
Want your child to grow up with a healthy, realistic view of sexuality, and to wait until they’re really ready for intimacy? Read on.
Food & Home
Our Morning Protein: a “new” New Year’s Resolution!
This month I’m focused on getting the family starting the day off with more energy and focus. That means we’re eating a more nutritious breakfast, making sure we get enough protein in our diets throughout the day. See how I’m doing it.
Relationships
Update On: The Homeless In-Laws
An update from a letter writer on a particularly hairy and sticky family situation and lessons learned for the future.
Big Kid
To Label Or Not To Label, That Is The Question
A reader wants to know the value of putting a label on a struggling older child, or does it even matter? I have strong opinions on this one.
Baby
When CIO Is Not An Option: The Tension Increaser
Amalah helps a mom identify her baby as a “tension increaser” and figure out an alternative to the Ferber Method as a sleep training option for their family.
Big Kid
Mother/Daughter Dynamics, On and Off Stage
With just a few months left before my oldest flies the coop, we survived being in a show together (and had a blast).
Holidays
Pink Fluffy Unicorn Valentine Printable for Kids!
Maybe you’ve heard the Pink Fluffy Unicorn song? This valentine for kids to share with their friends and classmates is inspired by the internet earworm sensation.
Parenting
New Neighborhood Pariahs
A family moved into a fantastic neighborhood with a built-in playgroup for their kids. But the entire family (including the kids) are social outcasts after the father more than crossed the line with his angry outburst. Can the relationships be saved?
Money & Work
The New-Mom’s Guide to Finding Part-Time Work
Amalah answers one of her most frequently asked questions… how do you find meaningful part-time work that allows you to have that elusive work-life balance? Where do you start?
Holidays
Valentine Crafting: a Tween Girl Bonding Experience
I decided on a whim to throw an after school Valentine crafting party for my daughter and a few of her friends and it turned into an all out bonding session. If you’re looking for ways to get inside your nine and ten year-old’s heads, crafting might be just the thing!
Big Kid
Autism and Illness: Our Last Frontier?
As my autistic son grows and matures, his awareness and coping skills grow, too. But I’m still grappling with his awareness (or lack thereof) when he’s sick.
Parenting
Should a Babysitter Just Babysit or Do More?
What is the role of the babysitter? Are they just there to care for children or should they be doing light household chores too?
Toddler
How to Gender-Neutral Parent in a Family of Bias
A mom is very concerned about how her in-laws are subtly and overtly treating her toddler son vis-a-vis his female toddler cousin, which is dripping in gender-bias. She needs advice on how to handle this tricky family situation.
Holidays
Mardi Gras Mini King Cakes with Tiny Mask Toppers!
Learn to make miniature King cake for and with your young ones and then decorate for a little Mardi Gras celebration, perfect for the kids and their tea party.
Big Kid
Help! How Do I Handle These Disturbing Teenage Texts?
Did you ever check your teen’s texts and find yourself horrified by what their friends are saying? A reader wants to know if she’s overreacting.
Big Kid
How to Immunize Your Kids From the Insanity of Election Year
How are we, as parents, supposed to keep our kids believing they should do the right thing when they see how rewarded the bad things are?
Pregnancy
Depressed Over Pregnancy Weight Gain
We are far less concerned about this expectant mom’s weight gain than we are about her feelings about her weight gain.
Big Kid
How to Prep for College Without Losing Your Mind
Tired of “expert” advice on readying your high schooler to get into a top college? Me, too. I like realism, and a non-stressed kid. Here’s my take.