Motherlode

A Narrow Escape, and Lasting Guilt

When I hear about a tragedy caused by a moment of parental carelessness — a hot car, an unlocked pool gate — I don't judge the parents. I was lucky. Read More...

Published Tue, Mar 26 2013 9:04 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: Essays

How Friendships Change After Baby

Readers seem to be telling me that while they acquire acquaintances among the parents of their children, real friendship is trickier. Read More...

Published Fri, Mar 05 2010 1:00 PM by Motherlode

Filed under: Uncategorized, friendships

My Son’s Flag Is Not My Familiar Stars and Stripes

To my son, the 4th of July is just another day. But I’ve come to understand it’s not so much my nationality I want him to identify with—it’s me. Read More...

Published Fri, Jul 03 2015 5:52 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, Children and Childhood, Immigration and Emigration, Highlights, Canada

A Familiar Sense of Uncertainty

The only certainty in the foster care world, and I suppose in parenting in general, is the uncertainty of it all. Read More...

Published Wed, Jul 01 2015 6:45 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, foster care, Children and Childhood, New York City, Public Broadcasting Service, Highlights, Seattle (Wash), United States, Documentary Films and Programs, POV, Point of View

Reader Contest: The Best Parenting Advice in Six Words or Less

What's your best advice for parents in 6 words or less? Read More...

Published Wed, Nov 04 2015 7:34 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, social media, Highlights

To Win a Free I.V.F. Cycle, Contestants Share Losses, Grief and Hope. Is it Worth It?

Contestants in this contest win by revealing how much they've lost. Read More...

Published Wed, Nov 11 2015 10:14 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, infertility, in vitro fertilization, Health Insurance and Managed Care, Highlights, Documentary Films and Programs

When Talk of Racism Centers on Black and White, What Does a Brown Parent Say?

In our time, for my generation, for those parents whose skin is not white, the coming-of-age conversation is not about the birds and the bees. It is a conversation about race. Read More...

Published Fri, Dec 05 2014 7:10 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, Children and Childhood, Race and Ethnicity, Yousafzai, Malala, Highlights, September 11 (2001), Khan, Shahrukh

Parenting Prodigies Is Less Fun Than It Looks

In focusing on the struggles of raising a prodigy, are we being realistic about how difficult it is to be different on any end of the scale, or failing to appreciate the joy of genius? Read More...

Published Wed, Oct 31 2012 1:01 PM by Motherlode

Filed under: Uncategorized, parenting, Children and Childhood, Gifted Students, Sullivan, Andrew

What Happened to Recreational Sports?

Sports should not be the province only of children and families willing to sacrifice afternoons, dinners and weekends on their Spartan altar. Read More...

Published Mon, Oct 07 2013 12:55 PM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, Children and Childhood, Athletics and Sports, Highlights

Leaving (an Adult) Child for the First Time

A trip to Paris, an autistic son at home. Read More...

Published Thu, May 26 2011 11:22 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: Uncategorized, Autism, adult children

My Toddler, Bartleby

The “terrible twos” are merely the beginning of a futile attempt to tame the Bartleby in each of us. Read More...

Published Sun, Oct 12 2014 5:41 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, Children and Childhood, Highlights, Melville, Herman, Bartleby (Movie)

Quandary: Between Unknown Cousins and the Children’s Table, Thanksgiving Can Be Hard for Kids

Now is the moment to prepare children for Thanksgiving: show pictures of past gatherings, remind them of the names that go with faces and talk about things like interrupting, playing with younger cousins, new foods and appreciating gifts but not expecting...

Published Mon, Nov 17 2014 11:08 AM by Motherlode

Filed under: parenting, advice, Thanksgiving Day

My Baby, the Star

A baby has his "Schwab's soda fountain" moment of fame. Read More...

Published Tue, Aug 14 2012 12:55 PM by Motherlode

Filed under: Uncategorized, babies, child actors, commercials, casting calls, Lynn Messina

What Children Really Need for 'Back to School'

A real list of "back-to-school supplies" includes concentrating less on pencils and sneakers, and more on ways for parents to ensure that their children are ready for more than just another year of school. Read More...

Published Mon, Aug 27 2012 1:45 PM by Motherlode

Filed under: Uncategorized, Helicopter parents, College, back-to-school, back to school 2012

Breaking the Silence of Stillbirth

Telling strangers about my stillborn daughter leaves me feeling like I've punched them. They cry. They try to shuffle away from me. I end up apologizing. Read More...

Published Sun, Feb 10 2013 5:10 PM by Motherlode

Filed under: Uncategorized, parenting, _featured, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Babies and Infants, Stillbirth, Funerals and Memorials, Deaths (Fatalities)

Syndication

Recent Posts

Tags

Archives