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Why I (Still) Love Cosleeping, 5 Years Later

When my daughter was first born nearly 5 years ago we had a bassinet set up next to the bed and a crib in the room next to ours. She never slept in either of them. I guess we ‘fell’ into cosleeping since my daughter would not actually sleep anywhere except on my arm. At the time I was struggling, …

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Why Do My Kids Trigger Rage?

In the silence and darkness of the night I feel that ache in my heart. The one that, every so often, reminds me of things I wish I’d said and done differently throughout that day. The stillness is quiet and peaceful. It’s hard to even imagine how I could lose it. How I could be mean. How I could let them see …

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How we found balance with screen time

Like any 1980s child, I grew up watching TV. And not just the occasional commercial-free documentary for its educational content. We’re talking Looney Toons, Nickelodeon shows with the apparent sole purpose of broadcasting green slime dumped on people’s heads, and the same Disney movies hundreds of times over. It was fun. Sometimes it was boring. I believe it was referred …

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The Secret Key To Being A Happier Person and Parent

Meditation. Now don’t click away because you don’t have time for this nonsense. Bear with me. What have you got lose, really? What do you have to lose just giving it a try? So what is meditation exactly? To think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time as a method of relaxation. That’s it. In its most …

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Should You Give a Sibling a Birthday Gift?

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!” Today it is little Audrey’s sixth birthday. … “Here is a party for you, Audrey!” “I made you your favorite cake, Audrey!” “Look at that pile of gifts for you, Audrey!” “You are so special, Audrey!”

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The Chaos & The Calm and The Parenting In-Between

  “Go Play” “Not Right Now” “In A Minute” “Hurry Up” “Maybe Later” I’ve kind of sucked at parenting lately I think. It’s a busy time in our lives right now. We have been doing a lot of ‘adulting’ and my relationship with my daughter is suffering. It’s not without reason. We are about to move our family across an …

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9 things never to say to an attachment parent

1. Are you STILL breastfeeding? Yes, we are still breastfeeding. Many of us continue to nurse until our children outgrow the need. Others choose to employ some gentle weaning strategies. We will probably point out that the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of two years, and thereafter as long as the mother and child desire. (Note: not …

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Why I Don’t Force My Kids To Share

“Sharing”. It’s a positive, friendly, well mannered sounding word. Wherever you find more than one small human, you will likely hear an adult encouraging some form of sharing. They are most likely doing it in a way that seems respectful and reasonable. Everything appears to be good and as it should be. But is it a good thing? Is it …

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Mourning The End Of The Breastfeeding Relationship

  I metaphorically stand up here today, shaking in my boots, to share my journey of breastfeeding my son until he was done. The Internet can be both a wonderful and terrible place for breastfeeding moms. We can find bands of women who offer us unconditional acceptance and support; who offer us knowledge and wisdom. Unfortunately, the Internet also offers …

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The Difference Between “You’re Ok” and “Are You Ok?”

The Scenarios Just imagine for a second Husband: “Ow! I just stubbed my toe!” Wife: “Oh, you’re ok.” Friend: “I am so mad right now. I can’t believe I spilled ketchup on my brand new shirt!” Other Friend: “It’s ok. It’s just a shirt .” Wife: “I am so tired. I barely got any sleep last night.” Husband: “You’re Ok. …