It may be all fun and jokes, but dad bashing can have consequences, impacting how you run your home and your child's relationship with his dad. Moms, we like to vent. Except we tend to vent about our spouses. We rant on online forums about dads glued to the computer with the baby propped on his lap, or we harp on dads for messing up the nap schedule yet again. Even parenting books with "Just for Dads" sections assume moms do all the reading and dads aren't involved. And we may have good reason to vent. Maybe your partner does need to pitch in more with child care and household … [Read more...]
What to Do When Your Husband Doesn’t Help with the Baby Because He Works
Feeling resentful when your husband doesn't help with the baby because he works? Learn what to do to get him to help you around the house. A shower. Running an errand. Even taking a 30-minute break from everything. These are all starting to feel like luxuries you practically have to pull teeth to get, except it's not because you're alone. It's because your husband doesn't help the baby. He won't change diapers unless you ask, and even then, he gives you a hard time about it. The same is true with feeding the baby and even giving him attention. You can't get him to clean, cook meals, or … [Read more...]
Dads Are Co-Parents, Not Babysitters
It's tempting to see dad as a babysitter when mom steps out, but learn why dads are co-parents, not the occasional extra help. Whether on mom boards or among your friends, you'll hear moms wondering how to get dads to pitch in more, especially with kids. They're stay-at-home moms with husbands who expect them to handle the kids. Working moms who end the day only to do even more work around the house. They're not sure how to get their partners to ease some of the burden from their shoulders. I'm not all too surprised. History has seen women as the nurturing gender, the caregiver … [Read more...]
14 Funny Things People without Kids Say
If you don't have kids or are expecting your first, you may have said these comments. Check out these 14 funny things people without kids say! I was that person who never understood life with kids. Not that I never wanted them—I've always been open to having a family myself. But when I look back on how I viewed children before becoming a mother, I realized how clueless I was about so many things. For one thing, I figured babies could sleep all day long. After all, most of the times I've seen babies, they were asleep in someone's arms. And not until did I become a mom did I truly … [Read more...]
How to Establish Grandparent Boundaries (Without Stepping On Toes)
Are the grandparents getting too involved with your parenting? Here's how to establish grandparent boundaries without stepping on toes. "My parents won't listen when I tell them no TV!" a friend vented. Her parents care for her kids in their home. And despite my friend's request to turn the TV off, they continue to keep it on all day. For many parents, it's not just TV, either. Grandparents offer food parents forbid, buy too many toys, don't follow safety rules, and even smoke. That's not all. You hear about grandparents who have all sorts of opinions about their kids' parenting … [Read more...]
Are You Living Through Your Kids? Why You Should Find Your Own Meaning
Are you living through your kids to fill a void in yourself? Learn how to find your own meaning and stop relying on your kids to feel happy. My first grader was going to receive an award at school for doing well in reading. This was his moment, his chance to be recognized for his hard work and love of learning. Except there I was, fighting a selfish urge to take some of that credit, too. As if his accomplishments should reflect the kind of parent I was. I wanted to stand there so everyone knew I was the parent of the kid who just received an award. It was then that I realized that we … [Read more...]
Top Parenting Books Moms and Dads Should Read
Find the best advice with these top parenting books moms and dads should read. Learn how to discipline and become the best parent you can be! I'm a researcher. When I run into an issue with my kids, I read as much as I can about it. I start online where a quick Google search will turn up some good articles. But some of the best advice I've heard and applied comes from reading top parenting books. These aren't "how-to" guides like when to start solids or how to change a diaper (though I've read those as well!). These books discuss parenting, from how to best communicate with our kids to … [Read more...]
Model the Behavior You Want to See in Your Child
Want to see good behavior in children? Model the behavior you want to see in your child. Here's why it's the most effective technique. Let's say you had to choose between two options. The first is giving your child advice but no action. The second is not saying anything but doing what you want her to do. Hands down, you should choose the latter. You see, modeling is the best teaching method. It's not enough to tell her about important values and responsibilities. You have to show her through your actions. Model the behavior and she'll understand that these expectations apply to … [Read more...]
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