Health & Safety
Depression & the Stay-At-Home Dad
My husband stays home with our son and is falling apart. I don’t know what to do or how to help.
Resources
Was the California homeschool ruling ridiculous, or justified?
A California appellate judge ruled that according to state law, homeschooling is illegal. Californian homeschoolers everywhere are surprised to hear that they’ve been flouting the law since the 1950s, but that, at least according to Judge H. Walter Croskey, is the case. Needless to say,…
Resources
The Ethical Nanny Diaries
Do I have to declare my part-time nanny’s earnings to the IRS? Is it really a big deal if I don’t?
Baby
Introducing Solids Foods (Fruits & Veggies) to Baby
Introducing solid foods to your baby? Here is a simple guide to making fruit and vegetable purees at home. It’s easy peasy.
Big Kid
“It’s not extra money” and Other Things Teens Should Know About Credit Cards
I’ve volunteered to teach personal finance classes to teens. This is what I want teens to know about how credit cards work before they go off to college:
Education
Dealing With a New Diagnosis
My son has just been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I haven’t the faintest idea what I’m supposed to do next.
Toddler
Alpha Mom Book Club: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
Having said that, there is no magic formula for parenting kids (wouldn’t THAT be nice!), but I think that this book has helped me realize some areas where I can improve, especially when it comes to the way that I communicate with my children. I feel like this book gave me ideas to make things better. It is easy to get “stuck” in one way of doing something and not be able to see your way out of it, even when you know it isn’t the best way. How many of us have had the horrified realization of hearing our own parents’ voices coming out of our mouths?
Resources
The Time I Gave Really Bad Parenting Advice
I gave terrible parenting advice to my coworker one time. Oh, and did I mention this was years ago, long before I had any children of my own?
Young Child
Make Morning and Bedtime Routines Easier with a Chart (Free Printable)
Mornings and bedtimes with the kids easier when they use a chart so I can give fewer reminders.
Resources
Top Baby Names of 2007
A couple of weeks ago while at a friend’s birthday party, I found myself making small talk with the screenwriter for the hit 80s movie, Splash. Bruce Jay Friedman had no idea (seriously) that the name Madison had risen to be one of the most…
Health & Safety
Bug Repellents for Kids: What Should I Be Thinking About?
There’s more to think about when it come to protection from insects, like mosquitoes and ticks, than just “let’s spray THIS.” We look at DEET and other considerations.
Young Child
Summer Reading Ideas for Kids
Prevent summer slide by encouraging your kids to read with these four fun programs.
Young Child
Alpha Mom Parenting Book Club: Kids Are Worth It! Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline
The way to get your kids to behave is to give them the gift of self discipline. But exactly how do you do that? That is what author Barbara Coloroso outlines in her book, Kids Are Worth It!
Resources
Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp and How to Live Unlimited
The kids are kept super busy at the MDA camps, many getting to do things they never thought they could do. And they’re not embarrassed if they don’t do it well, either, because it’s all in the trying, not in the results.
Young Child
Helping Very Young Children Understand Death
How to talk to young kids about death and grief in an age-appropriate manner. We provide a sample script as well as an excellent book recommendation that can grow with your family.
Young Child
What You Need to Know To Discuss Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Your Kids
Every year, when we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I find myself re-learning things I already knew and finding new information which lead me to thinking about what it is we really need to know about Dr. King when we’re teaching our children and, in my case, students.
Baby
Alpha Mom Must List: Sh*tty Mom Book
Chelsea Handler of the future is pissed. When she sits down to write her parenting book, she’ll realize the book she wants to write has already been written.
Resources
Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda on The Electric Company
We’ve uncovered a gem! Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda created a number of short educational rap videos for PBS’ The Electric Company several years ago and they are brilliant!
Young Child
Must Watch: Olive Us Family Video Series
Design Mom’s new family video series Olive Us, featuring her six children, is an absolute delight. Not only is it instructional, but you see the kids being kind to each other. Our children need to see more of that in this world.
Products & Services
Keep Kids Entertained in the Car Without Staring at Screens: Circle Round Podcast
Looking to keep your kids (ages 4 to 10) entertained while also using their imagination? Check out the new storytelling Circle Round podcast.