• Last updated 1/24/13 by Peggy O'Mara

Issue 127 By Peggy O'Mara  At a meeting I attended recently, I mentioned an article we wanted to solicit entitled “Instead of Hitting.” One woman asked what the title meant. Another said, “But doesn’t the Bible tell us to hit our kids?” Later in the conversation, when I questioned the wisdom of time-outs, people were even more confused. Well, if we don’t hit or punish—I could hear them all wonder silently—then what are we supposed to do? These are legitimate concerns. When I was a new mom 30 years ago, I had these same questions. I started out hitting my kids. I... read more

• Last updated 4/17/13 by Melanie Mayo

Helping our children to process the tragedy in Boston.   It is no surprise that one of the most-shared quotes in the wake of the horrific bombing in Boston was wisdom from the ever-reliable Mr. Rogers, who said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ “   I count myself among the fortunate in that a.) I was not personally affected by the bombings in that I do not know anyone who was hurt or injured and b.) My son is too young for me to have... read more

• Last updated 11/13/12 by Melanie Mayo

  Contributed by Mothering blogger Sarah Clark   As I watch attachment style mothers sometimes I wonder if some of us forget that attachment parenting is called attachment PARENTING not attachment MOTHERING.     Attachment as a style of nurturing and loving our children is a beautiful thing.  It also can be quite exhausting- especially if all the attachment, co-sleeping, feeding, loving, holding, answering, nurturing, and touching is done by just one person.     Mom.   But it isn't called attachment mothering, is it. It is called Attachment... read more

• Last updated 2/6/11 by Mothering Editorial

We have a three-year-old at home and recently had another baby. Prior to our new baby, our three-year-old was our everything. He received lots of attention from both of us and I (mommy) was lucky enough to stay home with him on a full-time basis. Since the birth of our second son, our three-year-old has shown incredible jealousy. We expected some of this and understand it's a normal reaction to a new baby in the family. However, it's been five months now, and he continues to struggle with his interactions with his baby brother. I have to watch him like a hawk as I have... read more

• Last updated 3/12/13 by Melanie Mayo

By Megan Leary     For 16 months I worked full time  in my home office for two different employers.  The position would have normally been an in-office job but because of my inability to pump milk for the babe I was able to negotiate my situation. Working at home had its challenges.  I have several musings on that topic that are working their way to my fingertips to type out but for now here are some tips I would impart on other mamas considering a working from home set up.     Get up and get dressed. Set your alarm, take a shower, and get ready... read more

• Last updated 2/15/13 by Melanie Mayo

I pointed out in Part 1 that our culture harbors a common, dangerous misconception about teens -- that they need us to drop the reins and let them "do their thing." But in terms of their brain and social development, they are as tender as they were as infants. So, we need to remain their active guides and examples. Adults staying actively, enthusiastically involved in the lives of their children and students is one of the best teen addiction prevention measures. In addition to the 3 guidelines offered in Part 1, what else do teens need from us during this time when our... read more

• Last updated 12/12/12 by Sarah Clark

Posted by Sarah Clark, Mothering.com contributor.       My children simply love this time of year. In our house we celebrate the holidays in a pretty traditional way- tree, stockings, presents, and all the usual stuff. I love doing it and they look forward to it and singing songs and watching some favorite Christmas movies.   It is a lot of fun. It is also all to easy to get tied up in receiving the gifts and what we “want” and forget about all the other stuff. I don't enjoy my children as much when they are all about getting and wish lists and forget about... read more

• Last updated 2/21/13 by Melanie Mayo

By Brian Leaf       A few years ago, I was in an eye exam for my son Noah. The doctor wanted to get drops in Noah’s eyes and he was frustrated that Noah did not want to sit still. So he commanded me to hold Noah down while he put the drops in. Noah was crying wildly. I was taken off guard by the doc’s order, so I did it. I held Noah down forcibly, against his will, while the doctor put the drops in.   Noah moved on pretty easily, thrilled to play with toys in the waiting room while his eyes dilated. But I felt terrible. I was sure I could have found a less... read more

• Last updated 3/14/13 by Melanie Mayo

Math may be one of the more challenging subjects to teach and learn, but it doesn't have to be a bore! There are lots of great ways to expand your child's math skills in a way that will have them begging for more.    Check out our top five favorite ad free sites:   Count On: This site offers a wide range of math focused games that are unique and fun to play. We especially love their codebreaker and math mysteries sections--perfect for kids who love a challenge.    Figure This: Offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this website offers... read more

• Last updated 6/27/11 by Mothering Editorial

Issue 97, November/December 1999 By Christine Benevuto Even before he could speak, our son knew when he was angry. Gabriel knew because my husband and I told him. "Ooh, that makes you mad," we would groan with enthusiastic empathy. "That really makes you mad." Then we would stand back and watch an amazing transformation take place before our eyes as a fussing, screeching little person grew quiet, thoughtful, interested. As often as not, we parents were responsible for creating his frustration in the first place: As I recall, diaper and clothes changes became... read more