The Labor of Love Directory: What's Cool

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The Labor of Love Directory: What's Cool - The Top 10%!

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379 Cool Links:

Baby Care

Cooling Down Prickly Heat
This article, by pediatric pharmacist, Karla Davis, discusses what prickly heat is and how to treat it.

Bringing Baby Home
Feeling exhausted by the demands of caring for your new baby? Having difficulty remembering why you wanted to become a parent in the first place? Here are some tips on surviving this wonderful yet challenging period in your baby's life.

Buying Baby's Layette on a Budget
One of the first things you hear when you get pregnant is how expensive babies are. You'd think the little bundles come out requesting caviar and Perrier. Now don't get me wrong -- there's definitely some added expense with having a child, but there's also plenty of ways to get the ever-expanding baby layette (and all the extras that go with it) on a budget.

Well-Rested Mama
An article about the benefits of the attachment parenting concept, the "family bed", in caring for your baby.

Babyproofing Your Home

Baby Time Journals
A collection of journals kept by moms after the birth of their babies.

Introducing Solids
A guide that will help you decide when to start introducing solids to your baby and what types of foods should and should not be introduced.

First Foods For Babies Four to Nine Months
A selection of easy to make and digest foods to use when you first start introducing solids into your baby's diet.

Baby Costs-The Frugal Way
Here are a few suggestions for baby items the frugal way.

Baby Clothes - Hints and Tips
Baby clothes are really expensive, and because your child grows so fast in the first couple of years, these clothes are going to have a very short life. To maximise the wear we need to look at how we take care of them, how we can get wear from them, for longer and how we might save money, if we buy the right things initially.

Infant Potty Training
Here is the secret to IPT. There is a window of learning open from birth until about 4-5 months. This time frame is a sensitive period where babies are very aware of elimination. They attempt to communicate, but we don't watch and listen since we have not been trained to do so. Instead, we train our babies to use a diaper as their toilet, and they have to unlearn this behavior later.

Baby Care : Breast Feeding

Nature's Brilliant Plan: Some Lesser-Known Facts about Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Survival Guide
Members of The Labor of Love community share their thoughts and experiences on a variety of breastfeeding related issues.

Cleaning Your Pump Parts At Work
For Moms who pump at work, one of the essential things to know, is how to keep your breastpump parts clean.

Getting Ready to Breastfeed
Issues to keep in mind as you are preparing to breast feed your baby.

Breastfeeding for the First Time
For those of you who are planning to breastfeed for the first time, or may have already started, and are storing breastmilk, I thought the following information would be helpful.

Common Breastfeeding Problems
It's enough to make you give up. You feel as if you're the only one not doing it right ...that everyone else seems to cruise through breastfeeding, but you. That's not the case at all. You can encounter any number of problems from thrush, mastisis, overactive letdown ... AT ANY TIME. It can be the first day - or your 500th day - no one is immune to experiencing difficulties nursing.

Books TLOL Nursing Moms are Reading

Breastfeeding - Starting out Right
Breastfeeding should be easy and trouble free for most mothers. A good start helps to assure breastfeeding is a happy experience for both mother and baby.

Breast Compression
The purpose of breast compression is to continue the flow of milk to the baby once the baby no longer drinks (open — pause — close type of suck) on his own. Breast compression simulates a letdown reflex and often stimulates a natural letdown reflex to occur.

Breastfeeding and Jaundice
There is a condition commonly called breastmilk jaundice. No one knows what the cause of breastmilk jaundice is. In order to make this diagnosis, the baby should be at least a week old, though interestingly, many of the babies with breastmilk jaundice also have had physiologic jaundice, sometimes to levels higher than usual.

Breastfeeding and Guilt
One of the most powerful arguments many health professionals, government agencies and formula company manufacturers make for not promoting and supporting breastfeeding is that we should "not make the mother feel guilty for not breastfeeding". Even some strong breastfeeding advocates are disarmed by this "not making mothers feel guilty" ploy.

Blocked Ducts and Mastitis
Mastitis needs to be differentiated from a plugged or blocked duct, because the latter does not need to be treated with antibiotics, whereas mastitis often, but not always, does require treatment with antibiotics.

More Breastfeeding Myths

More and More Breastfeeding Myths

Breastfeeding and Other Foods
Many of the situations in which breastmilk seems to require addition of other foods arise from misunderstandings about how breastfeeding works, and/or originate from a poor start at establishing breastfeeding.

Breastfeed a Toddler—Why on Earth
Because more and more women are now breastfeeding their babies, more and more are also finding that they enjoy breastfeeding enough to want to continue longer than the usual few months they initially thought they would do it. UNICEF has long encouraged breastfeeding for two years and longer, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is now on record as encouraging mothers to nurse at least one year and as long after as both mother and baby desire.

Baby Care : Breast Feeding : Humor

A Boy and His Boob's Guide for First Time Mothers
..."So you've had a baby! This is an exciting and wonderful time in your life. This guide was prepared with the help of the little boy to make sure that you make the most of it, and are not caught by surprise by any of the little icky bits."...

A Boy and a Boob take a Commercial Break
..."And a final point--where do the pg magazines get the svelt georgous pg models that they put in pictures drinking tea with hunky men in cafe's in articles about what the first stage of labour is like? Did they use computer animation? Clever body suits? Or so these women really exist somewhere? Wait, don't tell me--if they do, I think I'd rather not know."...

Baby Care : Colic

Colic in Babies, Every Parents Nightmare - The Homeopathic Approach

Colic in the Breastfed Baby
If you have a colicky baby and are breast feeding, this guide will help you identify the most common colic causing foods that you can eliminate from your diet.

Did your baby suffer from Colic? What did you do to help calm your child?
Colic is distressing for both the baby and the parent. Read or share tips that can help you get through this turblent time.

Getting-Pregnant

Ovulation Calendar
If you are trying to get pregnant, this tool will help by telling you when are the best times to have sex in order to achieve pregnancy.

Thinking about Conceiving Journals

Trying to Conceive Journals - 0 to 6 Months

Trying to Conceive Journals - Over 6 Months

Trying to Conceive Journals - After 30 Years Old

Trying to Conceive Journals - After Miscarriage

Trying to Conceive Journals - First Child

Trying to Conceive Journals - Another Child

AmazingPregnancy.com
Trying to conceive and pregnancy information. Pregnancy related online tools and ultrasound pictures, belly shots, and labor and birth galleries included.

Ovulation and Trying to Conceive
Through personal experience as well as research - it has been found that if you have sex near the time of ovulation your chances of conceiving are the greatest. Learning how to tell when your body is ovulating is the key.

Ovulation Predictor Kits
A quick guide to ovulation kits from our sister site, AmazingPregnancy.com

In The Kitchen

Beginner Kitchen Needs
..."the basic kitchen just needs the following tools to be well prepared for cooking adventures."...

When Mealtime is the Dreaded Time of Day
We have found some success in a few different areas of eating, however. Here are some ideas on dinnertime that might make things a little more pleasant down the road for you:

In The Kitchen : Craft Recipes For Kids

Oobleck

Finger Paints (Five Varieties)

Cinnamon Ornaments

Bubbles

Edible Dough

No Bake Clay Beads

Colored Noodles

Paint Pallet

Face Paint

Gak

In The Kitchen : Munchkin Munchies

First Foods for Babies: Four to Nine Months
A selection of easy to make and digest foods to use when you first start introducing solids into your baby's diet.

Common Food Allergies
..."The most common food allergens that cause problems in children are eggs, milk, and peanuts. Adults usually do not lose their allergies, but children can sometimes outgrow them. Children are more likely to outgrow allergies to milk or soy than allergies to peanuts, fish, or shrimp."...

Allergy Free Recipes
A collection of allergy free recipes that would be appealing to children.

Dealing With a Picky Eater
..."Be watchful of your baby's diet. Certain nutrients are very important to monitor at this age. They needs iron, calcium, B vitamins and protein, but her picky appetite sometimes makes it difficult to make sure she gets all she needs every day. Foods that are high in important nutrients are listed below. Your baby doesn't need to eat these foods every day, but try to work them into her diet each week."...

Food Portion Recommendations For Children
Serving sizes of the major food groups that are appropriate for children.

Fun Snacks

Finger Foods

In The Kitchen : Recipe Box : Appetizers

Spinach Artichoke Dip

In The Kitchen : Recipe Box : Casserole and Pasta

Chicken Casserole

Infertility

Infertility and You
A detailed description of the different caused of infertility, include both the male and female issues of the issue.

TTC and Infertility Acronyms and Abbreviations

Creating an Infertility Treatment Timetable
One of the things you might want to do when beginning infertility treatments is to map establish a timeline. Thinking about how far you want to go - how many treatment cycles you're willing to or can afford to undergo, what feels "right" for you and your partner, and what situations you are comfortable to proceed seeking treatment for.

Gathering Your Personal Medical History and Medical Records
Before starting treatment with any new doctor, you will meet for a consult, where s/he can review your entire medical history. This is crucial, as the doctor needs to know as much as possible about the health and reproductive background of you and your partner, in order to treat you effectively.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) Guides and Fact Sheets
Links to on site and off site frequently asked questions (FAQ) that cover topics from ovulation, charting your BBT, and infertility topics.

Where to Get Answers and Information
A collection of 5 star infertility links.

Did you share your infertility with your family or friends?
Did you share your infertility with your family or friends? Are/were they supportive? How detailed were your explanations - did you stick to your diagnosis only, or did/do you share cycle details as well?

How did/do you handle a negative cycle?
How did/do you handle a negative cycle? What tips can you offer that help you to cope with the negative news?

Has infertility affected your relationship with your significant other?
Has infertility affected your relationship with your significant other? Did/do you pull together as a team to work through it, or have you found that you handle everything individually?

Trying to Conceive Journals - Infertility Treatments
A collection of journals kept by women who are trying to conceive while undergoing infertility related treatments.

Trying to Conceive Journals - IVF/ART
A collection of journals by women who are TTC while undergoing IVF or ART.

Pregnancy Journals - After Infertility
A collection of journals from women who have achieved pregnancy after undergoing infertility treatments.

Going To See The Doctor
After your doctor has taken your medical history and gone over your options he will administer tests that will hopefully pin down what is specifically impeding your progress.

Diagnostic Procedures
If you've reached the diagnostic phase of trying to conceive with your doctor, there may be one or more tests they may want to perform, to determine what is causing your inability to conceive.

Miscarriage and Loss

Stillbirth: Unexpected Heartbreak
..."On October 9, 1996, at 7:30 a.m., I gave birth to a 1 lb. 1 oz baby girl, Laura Ann Douglas. We spent the better part of an hour holding her before it was time to say goodbye. She was perfectly formed from head to toe. The cause of her death was cruelly obvious. There was a knot in her umbilical cord...."...

Children Lost, But Not Forgotten
One mother's story of her miscarriages and subsequent pregnancies.

A Heart Breaking Letter from a Mother

Early Grief Suggestions
Suggestions on how to deal with your grief of losing a child.

Am I Losing My Mind?
..."In working with the bereaved, one of the most prevalent concerns is questioning feelings, emotions and reaction to grief. I frequently hear, "Am I crazy?" Certainly the vast array of overwhelming emotions can surprise those in early grief. It can be frightening, intimidating and confusing. "...

Late Term and Neonatal Loss
A collection of on site and off site links that discuss the issues of late term and neonatal loss.

General and Early Loss
A collection of on site and off site links that discuss the aspects of early loss and miscarriage.

Feelings of the Fathers
A collection of on site and off site links that discuss the feelings of fathers regarding miscarriage and loss.

A Father's Grief / A Mother's Grief
..."Remember the best selling book, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus?" Well, the same is true for grief. Most men grieve in Mars and most women in Venus. The statistics are grim. More than half the couples experience some degree of stress, leading to the consideration of divorce or separation. Why? There is a delicate balance that must be maintained in a relationship during the grief process. "...

For Friends and Family
A collection of links that discuss how friends and family can offer support in the time of grief.

Loss in a Multiple Birth
A collection of links that discuss the issues that surround loss in a multiple birth.

Issues Surrounding a Poor Prenatal Diagnosis
A collection of links that discuss the issues and feelings surrounding the issue of poor prenatal diagnosis

Memorial Sites
A collection of sites that offer you a place to remember your lost child.

Gestures to Commemorate Your Baby's Life
..."Often, as the shock of a loss fades away, the need to do something special to honor your baby's life emerges. There are countless ways to honor your child, and each couple will find something of personal significance for their family. Listed below are several gestures you might want to use."...

Pregnancy After a Loss
A collection of on site and off site links that discuss the issues surrounding subsequent pregnancy after a loss.

Poems about the Death of a Child
A collection of poems written by parents who have experienced the loss of a child.

Miscarriage Poems
Poems written by moms who have experienced a miscarriage.

Parenting

Anything I Can Do You Can Do Better?
Published writer, Julie Ames, shares her wonderful outlook on parenting with us! Stay at home dads can't possibily do as good of a job as a mom, or can they??!

Family Bed
..."When I had my own child, I received plenty of friendly advice in favor of cosleeping. Still, my baby was going to sleep in a crib in her own room. Anything else would be absolutely unthinkable. That is, it was until last December when we were forced, in a sense, to consider the other side."...

A Prayer for the Children
... "When a child commits a hateful crime whom do we blame? Do we blame the child? Are there some children who are inherently bad. Do we blame the parents? After all, they have brought this child into the world. Should they should be accountable? Or, do we blame ourselves? Recently two children killed fifteen people, including themselves, in a Colorado shooting. These two children could not have been victims. Could they? " ...

First Born Jealousy
Author, Elizabeth Pantley, shares an article from her book, Perfect Parenting, The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips.

15 Ways To Thank Your Child
..."Now is the time to make a little extra effort to show our children how thankful we really are to have them. Here are a few ways to show your child how you feel: "...

Bedtime: Getting to Bed and Staying There
Stress reducing tips and tricks which will help you get your child into bed and asleep.

A Perfect Parenting Plan
Keep in mind that following a few important rules will make every situation with your child easier to handle, regardless of which solution you choose to implement. I call these The Perfect Parenting Keys.

Listen With Your Heart
Think back to when you were growing up, and all the times when you felt self-doubt, confusion, and frustration. It's tough growing up! You can help your children get through the bumps and bruises of childhood by simply being there for them. Children need to know that when the whole world feels like it's crashing down around them, they have one safe, secure place to go, and one bottomless source of unconditional love.

How to Encourage Your Older Child to Welcome The New Baby
Wondering what you can do to get your child's relationship with his or her new sister or brother off the best possible start? Here are a few tips from Ann Douglas, author of Baby Science.

A Tantrum: Oh, please, not another tantrum!
..."A tantrum is what some of us learn to live with as part of raising children, as part of our daily routine. A tantrum is not what we rush to tell our friends about. A tantrum is what most of us want to forget it ever happens, and often we think it only happens to OUR children."...

Poems about Babies and Children
A collection of over 100 poems about babies and children.

Fatherhood Poems
A collection of poems about being a father.

Motherhood Poems
A collection of poems about the feelings that being a mother brings about.

Parenthood Poems
Poems about being a parent.

Parenting Pen Pals
Search our database of over 1400 penpals for parents who have the same interests and experiences that you have.

In Praise of Black Sheep
There's a black sheep in every flock, and there are few of us who don't know one, or didn't know one as a child. Every family, every class, has one: that brother or sister, boy or girl, who's always in trouble, who's prone to stretch limits or take things "too far," who's embarrassingly honest, who never fits in. It's that child over whom every teacher puzzles longest and every parent loses the most sleep.

The Twelve Habits of a Highly Effective Mom
Here you will find twelve areas that you may be able to relate to and mull over in determining what is important to you as a mother.

Parenting : Adoption

Poems about Adoption
A collection of poems about adoption both from the adoptee's and the birth parent's point of view.

Do I Love My Child As Much As You Love Yours?
..."Occasionally, the question is asked directly, or sometimes it's unasked, but hinted at…. Do I love my daughter as much as if she were "really" mine…? You see…my daughter was adopted."...

Parenting : Babies

Baby Makes Three
This article discusses the financial impact having a baby can have on a family.

Decorating Your Baby's Room on a Budget
Don't have a lot of money to spend on decorating your baby's room? Relax. You don't have to spend a fortune.

Munchkin_Munchies
..."I know MANY of you are moving from breastmilk and/or formula to introducing the first foods cereal, fruit and vegetables - and this forum is for you too. It is hard to come up with creative things to feed our young ones, especially when their individual palettes are changing everyday."...

Parenting : Discipline

Why do we spank our babies?

Time out for "time-out"

Biters: Why They Do It and What To Do About It

The Power of Choice
Would you like to get your kids to willingly cooperate? Stop the daily battles? Teach your kids valuable life skills? If your answer is Yes! Yes! Yes! then read on . .

To Spank or Not to Spank?
"..The odd thing about this story is that both my sister and I remember the spanking; but neither of us can recall what the behavior was that caused it. We know that our father must have been trying to teach a lesson. The lesson, however, has been lost. The memory of the spanking is all that remains..."

Discipline is Not a Dirty Word
Discipline does not automatically mean punishment. Oftentimes, it involves disciplining ourselves first, before we expect trained behavior to appear in our children.

Parenting : Potty-Training

C is For Co-Operation: Potty Training the Hard Way
Co-operation between care giver and parent is essential to a family that is trying to potty train their child.

What are your hints and tips for potty training?
When is the best time to potty train your child? What "tricks" worked best for you? Share your advice with other parents.

Adventures in Potty Training
I wish there was an easy 10 step plan to potty training. But the truth is every child is different and will go at their own pace. To quote a teacher I had in a child development class I took, "I've never seen a college student wearing diapers."

Parenting : Preschoolers

Does Your Preschooler Have a Drinking Problem?
Dr. Wilkoff, a board certified pediatrician, shares his tips on how to help your finicky eater to eat more. "For the most part picky eating is not a behavior that can be cured by anything other than time and patience. However, many children eat poorly because they are drinking an excessive amount of fluid. When appropriate limits are placed on their fluid intake their appetites may improve dramatically."

Encouraging a Child to Read
Author, Elizabeth Pantley, shares an article from her book, Perfect Parenting, The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips.

What are your favorite activities to do with your preschooler?
What is your favorite way to spend time with your preschooler? Rainy day and need something to do? Read and share tips here.

Parenting : Tips and Advice

How, as a mom of young children, do you find time alone?
Share your advice or read what other visitors do to make quality time for themselves.

What are some questions that I should ask when I "interview" a pediatrician?
Choosing a health care provider for your child can be a difficult thing to do. Share your thoughts on how to make this easier or read what other visitors have said.

When is the best time to have a second child? Is it better for your child to have siblings or not?
Only child or sibling? That is the topic of this advice question. Share your point of view.

What are your favorite activities to do with your baby?
What types of activites do you and your baby enjoy doing together?

What are your tips for transitioning from a crib to a "big kid's bed"?
My son (2 yrs. 3 mos) currently sleeps in a crib but has begun to display interest in a "big boy" bed. I'd love pointers to any advice about helping him (and me !) make the transition...

Protect Your Child With A Password
When my kids were small we established a password, or codeword that only they and I knew. We chose a word very familiar to them, something they could remember, yet not something easily guessed by an outsider.

Parenting : Toddlers

Sharing is Hard
Sharing is hard. I don't know a toddler who ever truly did a good job of it. I've begun to really wonder - why do we really even try to teach it at that age?

CDC Recommends Booster Seats for Children
An article published in the February 5, 1999 MMWR, 48(4):83-841, recommends that parents use booster seats when driving with children who are older than 4 years, weigh more than 40 pounds and have outgrown their child safety seats.

Helping Your Child Say Bye-bye to Ba-Ba
..."It's the third bottle already today for your two year old, and it isn't even lunch time yet. Did you wait too long to take the bottle away? Is she ready to give it up? Will she ever be?"...

Get Your Toddler to Cooperate!
Preschoolers require more finesse to gain their cooperation, because they have not yet reached the age at which they can see and understand the whole picture. Robert Scotellaro is quoted in The Funny Side of Parenthood as saying, "Reasoning with a two-year-old is about as productive as changing seats on the Titanic."

Munchkin_Munchies
..."So, whether your little munchkins are eating cereal, commercial toddler foods or homemade – I will try and cover the basics as well as daily menus and fun things too."...

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Waiting for Baby
This work is about life during modified best rest and having a child at home with you. Pam captures the real life problems and stresses that this situation can create!

The Baby Gap
..."If you're trying to decide when to expand your family-or if you just need a good retort for family and friends bent on seeing you pregnant again-try taking this little baby gap test:"...

Nutrition and Nourishment During Labor

Feeling Good: Positive Self-Image in the Childbearing Year
Feeling good about yourself is the key to making the most of the childbearing year. A woman who feels good about herself will celebrate the changes that her body experiences during pregnancy, look forward to the challenge of giving birth, and willingly accept the physical and emotional changes of the postpartum period.

How to Ease the Queasies
..."Morning sickness affects approximately fifty percent of all pregnant women. Although experts haven't pinpointed the exact cause, many believe it occurs when pregnancy hormones rise and/or when the blood glucose level drops. Usually morning sickness develops during the first three to four months, but it may linger throughout the entire pregnancy. The nausea and vomiting may occur during the morning only. Or like a surprise attack, it may invade anytime throughout the day. Currently no cure exists. But women can tame it."...

Postpartum Depression: One Woman's Journey

Sweet Dreams! Getting a Good Night's Sleep in Pregnancy

Exercise during Pregnancy

Eyes-Open Childbirth: Writing a Meaningful Birth Plan for a Gentle Birth

For a Natural Birth, There's No Place Like Home

Our Water Birth Decision

Home Birth - Could it be an option for you?

Got a Question? Don't Ask a Pregnant Woman!

The Mystery of Pre-Birth Communication

Ancient Chinese Gender Predictor
This is an ancient Chinese Chart used to predict the sex of your unborn child.

Online Birth Announcements
All parents are proud of their beautiful babies and want to shout it out to the world. You now have the opportunity to add your birth announcement here. You can also view the announcements of other proud parents and have the opportunity to send your own personalized best wishes by clicking the "Send Congratulations" button. No need to worry about remembering the email address because we will transfer the address directly to the greeting form.

Poems about Pregnancy
A collection of poems about being pregnant.

Pregnancy Pen Pals
Search our database of over 1400 penpals for women who are ttc or are pregnant who have the same interests and experiences that you have.

Pregnancy No-No's
Pregnant? You already know to steer clear of alcohol and cigarettes. Here are other hazards to avoid.

AmazingPregnancy.com
Trying to conceive and pregnancy information. Pregnancy related online tools and ultrasound pictures, belly shots, and labor and birth galleries included.

Signs of Pregnancy
Here are some physical signs that women have when they are pregnant.

Due Date Calculator
Calculate your due date based on LMP or conception date.

Pregnancy Calendar
Welcome to your personalized pregnancy calendar! By either calculating your due date based on conception date or LMP or by entering your actual due date, you will be able to find out exactly how far into your pregnancy you actually are, how many days you have left, and discover more information regarding the week and trimester you are in.

Old Wives Tale Gender Predictor
Answer the following 15 questions to see if you will be having a girl or boy, according to the old wives tales!

Birth Plans
Online birth plan maker with statistical childbirth trends. Save your birth plan online, print it out or have it emailed to you.

Feeling Beautiful During Pregnancy
One of the toughest things that a pregnant woman deals with during a healthy, problem-free pregnancy is feeling beautiful in spite of her physical growth. People say, "You're glowing!," or "You look so healthy!" These things are nice to hear, but do we really believe it when we hear them? It's easy to get caught up with the modern vision of how a woman should look. That, of course, includes a tiny waist and minimal hips. We sure do put a lot of pressure on ourselves, don't we?!

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Baby Names

Baby Names Database
A searchable collection of over 16,000 baby names with meaning and origin.

Baby_Names Database
A searchable collection of over 16,000 baby names with meaning and origin.

How did you choose your baby's name?
Share your baby naming stories with other visitors or read how others decided on the name of their child.

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Baby Showers

What was the best baby shower gift you received and why?
What was the most useful or the favorite baby shower gift you received?

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Birth Stories

C-Section Birth Stories
A collection of birth stories where the mothers had a c-section. (Cesarean section)

A Collection of Over 575 Birth Stories

Hospital Birth Stories
A collection of birth stories where the mothers had a hospital birth.

Epidural Birth Stories
A collection of birth stories where the mother had an epidural during labor.

Home Birth - Birth Stories
A collection of birth stories where the mother had a home birth.

Birth Stories with a Midwife
A collection of birth stories where there was a midwife present at the birth.

Birth Stories with Complications
A collection of birth stories where there were complications either during labor or after the birth.

Birth Stories with an Induction
A collection of birth stories where the mother was induced.

Birth Stories with Twins
A collection of birth stories where there were twins involved.

Birth Stories with a Short Labor
A collection of birth stories where the mother had a short labor.

Birth Stories with a Doula
Birth stories in which there was a doula present during the labor and birth.

VBAC (Vaginal birth after c-section) Birth Stories
Birth stories where the mother attempted or had a VBAC birth.

Natural Childbirth Birth Stories
Birth stories where the mother planned on or had a natural childbirth.

Birth Stories with an Episiotomy
Birth stories in which the mother had an episiotomy during delivery.

Water Birth - Birth Stories
Birth stories in which a water birth was planned.

Birth Center Birth Stories
Birth stories in which the baby was born in a birth center.

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Due Dates

Due January to March 2004 Journals

Due October to December 2003 Journals

Due July to September 2003 Journals

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Essays

The Labor Movement - A Father's Guide
.."Every male can usually recall a point in time during his life that he officially became a "man". For some, it was being sent off to war, for others it was the first time they showered with their new Cindy Crawford mural shower curtain. For me, it was the first time the pregnancy test stick showed two lines..."

California Dreamin'
The humorous story California Dreamin' is about my dream of living in California and finally finding that dream come true, only to find myself pregnant with my first child at the same time.

It's Good for Baby!
One mom's humorous look being thirty eight weeks pregnant.

The Transformation
A magical account of Catherine Fulks pregnancy, birth, and life with her little boy, Chandler.

Born in Japan
Author and Childbirth expert, Linda Jenkins, shares her student's experience of the birth of her child, Gou, in Japan.

I'm Not Too Old For Motherhood! - Pregnancy and Birth at 40+
..."In March 1999, at the tender age of 39¾, I discovered that I was pregnant for the fourth time. My three other children from my first marriage had been conceived when I was barely twenty-something, at a time when I was still regarded as a normal, young mother. This time around however, I was horrified to find myself being referred to as a geriatric mother who, by the time my child had reached school age, would have a brain like a soggy rusk and would have the personality and mobility of a stuffed parrot."...

The Second Time Around
..."What is that saying about things being better the second time around? Whoever first made this profound statement was obviously not a working mother with a two-year-old son and a baby on the way! This is not to say that I am not excited about the impending arrival of my second bundle of joy, but the whole experience has been a tad bit different than when I was pregnant with my son. Once you are a parent, you can never quite see things in the same rosy glow of light again."...

Someone Should Have Told Me Before I Was Pregnant

Approaching Childbirth the Second Time Around
A humorous look at the birth of a second child. Dads-to-be you better be taking notes!

A Link of Love

The Birth of Isaac

How I Found Out I Was Pregnant

Nine Weeks to Motherhood

My Unplanned Pregnancy
I knew I was pregnant. I had every sign; sore breasts, frequent urination, a constant car sick feeling. Yet it took three store bought tests and two doctors to convince me my body was making a baby. Contrary to most of the stories I have read, my disbelief was motivated because I did not want to be pregnant. I was scared. This was not planned. In fact, I was on the pill trying to prevent this.

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Journals

Pregnancy - After 30

Pregnancy - After Miscarriage

Pregnancy - First Child

Pregnancy - Another Child

Teen Pregnancy Journals

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Post Partum

Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and Psychosis
One womans experience with post partum depression and psychosis.

Pregnancy and Childbirth : Tips and Advice

How did you regulate your pregnancy induced high blood pressure?
Do you or did you suffer from pregnancy induced high blood pressure (PIH)? Share your experiences with other visitors.

Did you try any special "tricks" to influence the sex of your baby? What did you try and did it work?
Did you have any luck influencing the gender of your baby? Are you specifically trying for a boy or a girl? Share your thoughts here.

How did you tell friends and family about your pregnancy?
How did you share your special news? Read how others made the big announcement or share your own story.

What helpful tips you can offer a newly pregnant mom?
Share your tips about pregnancy with other pregnant moms.

Did you suffer from morning sickness? What did you do to help alleviate the sick feeling?
Morning Sickness: one of the unpleasant aspects of being pregnant. How did you deal with it?

What was the best part of your pregnancy? What was the worst?
Share the best and the worst of your pregnancy with other visitors.

Did you have your baby at home or in the hospital? Why did you choose what you did?
Home birth or hospital birth is the theme of this question. Share your point of view or read what other visitors have said.

Did you create a birth plan? Were your plans honored by your health care professional?
Share your experience with creating and following your birth plan.

Who was present at your birth?
Who did you have at your birth? Was it a small gathering or a party affair? Did you use a doula? Tell us here.

What are your thoughts about natural childbirth?
Pain medication or natural childbirth? Share your thoughts with other visitors.

Pregnant, but Organized
Tips on how to plan for the time after your baby is born.

The Family Room

Pregnancy and Parenting Search Engine
The search engine has over 3000 links to pregnancy and parenting related websites across the internet.

The Family Room : Amanda Formaro

Homemade Halloween Make Up, Bruises & Blood
Dressing up for Halloween is so much fun! Enjoy it even more knowing that you and your little goblins prepared their faces for the frightful night. Face paint is inexpensive when you make it yourself, and it's safer than a mask that can obscure vision. Try these ghoulish recipes yourself!

Easy Animal Costumes for Infants and Up
Children look so cute dressed as fuzzy and furry creatures. Especially with whiskers painted on their chubby little cheeks! Here are some fun animal costumes that are perfect for infants and toddlers, as well as children of all ages.

Scarecrows, Pumpkins, & Ghosts, Oh My!
Decorating your front porch, yard, or walkway for Halloween can be loads of fun. While there are probably hundreds of ways to spiff up your yard and adorn your door, let's focus on a few simple solutions that your pocket can live with.

The Family Room : Ann Douglas

Decorating Your Baby's Room on a Budget
Don't have a lot of money to spend on decorating your baby's room? Relax. You don't have to spend a fortune.

Parenting in the Home Office
A great article about how to survive and succeed with home based business when you have young children.

Sick Kids and Daycare
A listing of the most common childhood illness you will see in your child, what the symptoms are, when to keep them home and when you can send them back to school.

Biggest Mistakes
..."Choosing someone to care for your child is a big responsibility one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. That's why it's important to avoid making any of the following all-too-common mistakes:"...

Raising Smart Consumers
Parents need to recognize that they have a responsibility to teach their children to become wise consumers and to realize that their children are, in fact, being bombarded with advertising messages from a very early age.

The Motherhood Club
There are few experiences as dramatic as that of becoming a mother. One moment you're totally in control of your own destiny: the next, you've surrendered yourself - body and soul - to meeting the ever-changing demands of a tiny, red-faced infant.

The Family Room : Cheri Sicard

Trick or Treating
The story behind trick or treating dates back to the earliest times, when people wore masks when droughts or diseases or other disasters struck. They believed that the hideous masks could frighten off the demons who brought about their misfortunes...

The History & Legends of Jack O' Lanterns
Carving Jack O' Lanterns is a Halloween custom that dates back to ancient Ireland, although the first Jack-o-Lanterns were made of turnips, beets or even hollowed out potatoes, not pumpkins...

The History & Legends of Halloween
The word Halloween has its origins in the Catholic Church, coming from a contraction of All Hallows Eve. November 1, or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints, but the history of Halloween goes much farther back than the Catholics or the name...

Reader's Digest Tricks & Treats - The Ultimate Halloween Book
While this may not exactly be the "ultimate" Halloween book, it probably can lay claim to the title of "The Ultimate Halloween Books for Moms." What I mean by this is, if you're looking for truly scary, gruesome, spooky ideas, look elsewhere. But if you have young children, or if your Halloween decorating taste runs more toward cute country charm than early Munsters or Addams Family, you will be delighted with this reference...

The Family Room : Child Care and Education

Have Nanny, Will Travel
... "I'm sure that, within a well-balanced family, taking a nanny along on a vacation is worthwhile. But make sure the entire JOURNEY is worthwhile before you mention the possibility. Make sure you have the family/household dynamics needed to pull off a nanny-included trip successfully. " ...

Ahhh, Back to School
..."Back to school has a whole new ring to it when you're a nanny. After three months of thinking of what to do today and answering that very same question when asked, back to school brings thoughts of pure joy. "...

Hello, My Name Is...
..."And so goes the story of parents who struggle with their day care facilities and hope that despite the outward appearance, their children are receiving quality care. I have often felt like attaching a "Hello, My Name is Tyler!" tag to my son each morning after so many confused new workers didn't know me or didn't know who my son was. It's a scary feeling to call your childcare provider and ask the teacher how your child is to be told they are not sure which one he is."...

Homeschooling Resources for Parents and Students

Other People's Children - Words from the Nanny
Join Charlotte in her monthly column on various aspects of having and being a nanny.

10 Signs of a Great Preschool

An Important Bond: Your Child and Your Caregiver

The Family Room : Elizabeth Pantley

The Power of Choice
Would you like to get your kids to willingly cooperate? Stop the daily battles? Teach your kids valuable life skills? If your answer is Yes! Yes! Yes! then read on . . .

What is Grandma's Rule?
As you can see, Grandma's rule allows you to use positive communication while being very specific about what you want. And the best thing is-it works!

Positive Thinking for Kids
During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively.

Bedtime: Getting to Bed and Staying There
Stress reducing tips and tricks which will help you get your child into bed and asleep.

Encouraging a Child to Read
Great tips on how to encourage your child to read.

First-Born Jealousy
Great tips on how to help your child adjust to having a new baby in the house.

Separation Anxiety
..."It's a big world out there. Some kids jump right in, and some need to test the water with their toes before they're comfortable wading in. (And then they wade very slowly, of course!) Be patient. With some gentle guidance your child will leave your side. (I mean, honestly, have you ever seen a ten-year-old super-glued to his mother's side? Me neither.)"...

The Family Room : Essays

Grace's First Snow
A wonderful story written by Julie Rosien about her daughter's first experience of a wonderful, or not so wonderful, Winter Wonderland.

Going Bye Bye in the Car
.."Our plan was to drive up the coast as far as Monterey, stay two nights, then come home. We'd find a hotel when we got there. We'd done this many times before we had a . . . child. What were we thinking? ..."

Gift Exchange
..."This little person-not yet having celebrated his second birthday-has provided me with the opportunity to reach into my past, appreciate my present, and touch my future. As I watch him grow, memories of my days as a young mother with three little girls come flooding back-memories I thought were long forgotten. Watching his sisters interact with him, play with him, and mother him has taught me to appreciate these wonderful girls for the basically good, decent, responsible kids they are, despite their sometimes very typical teen attitudes. And speculating about his future has helped me realize that I can have dreams, too-for my children and for myself."...

Finder Keepers
..."Unfortunately, you see, there is only one cure for my disease. It comes in the form of three simple words. I FOUND IT. "...

Cuts Like a Knife
Tiffany A. Campbell shares her short story that received a first place award in the 1998 Arizona American Mother's Literature contest in the short story category. The story contains serious topics such as teen age depression and suicide.

"Pokemon Parents" Need to Start Parenting
..."Some parents have gathered together and filed a class-action lawsuit against the makers of the Pokemon trading cards. They seem to feel their children have been captivated in some cult-like fashion, or by unfair marketing practices. These parents should realize this is an opportunity to show some strong parenting skills. They need to stay in control and not let such a short-lived fad cause such anxiety in their children or their family. In caving into the perceived pressure, what message are they sending?"...

Breaking Nella
..." At that moment something ASTONISHING happened. (REMEMBER THIS DATE ) Nella reached down and picked up the pizza without ever looking at me and handed it to me, her face deliberately looking away from mine."...

Dealing With Our Fear Of Failure
..."Failure isn't necessarily bad. Sure, all of us would like to succeed in every aspect of our lives and endeavors, however, this just isn't possible if we're really living our lives - taking risks and following our dreams. For the only people who never fail, are those who never try. "...

Happiness Isn't Parked In Your Garage
..."We must realize true happiness can never be found in "things" - cars, clothes, jewelry, a new house, or even money itself. If this is where you're looking for happiness and satisfaction, you're in for much disappointment and misery. "...

A Child Can Make a Difference
The next time your child comes up with a great idea to make a contribution to your community, give it a chance and help them out. You'll be amazed at the gradual changes in your child as you continually encourage these ideas. Our children are tomorrow's future. Help them help us make this world a better place to live!

The Family Room : Health and Safety

Dog and Cat Allergies
..."There is no breed of dog not even a Poodle or Chihuahua that will not trigger sneezes, rashes or asthmatic reactions. Allergic reactions can vary from dog to dog or cat to cat according to Jonathan Corren Clinical Professor of medicine and Director of the Allergy Research Foundation at the University of California."...

Babyproofing Your Home

Earaches and Sore Throats - The Homeopathic Approach

Fluoride, Juice Drinks and Tooth Decay

Child Safety in The Home
..."We all like to think that we are good parents and take great care in protecting our children from any harm or dangers – yet there is one place where your child is more at risk than anywhere else, and that is in their own home. No matter how careful we all are there will be a time when your child is unsupervised. It only takes a split-second, for a child to swallow something and choke."...

Buckle Up! The Importance of Child Safety Seats

Five Secrets for Parents to Help Encourage Responsible Use of the Internet
As technology progresses and children find even more need to use the Internet, parents must develop clear-cut and consistent rules while children are online.

Introduction To Essential Oils: What's Aromatherapy?
A beginners guide to aromatherapy.

The Family Room : Holidays

Ho, Ho Ho or Bah, Humbug
Is your holiday season not enjoyable as you would like it to be because of all the hustle and bustle? This article presents some common sense suggestions to help you enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.

Christmas Gifts, Decorations and Memories
Another collection of holiday gift ideas.

Inexpensive Gifts
Readers suggestions for inexpensive holiday gifts that are extremely creative!!

A Less Is More Christmas List
A story about how to create meaningful christmas memories for little money.

Homemade Christmas and Hanukkah Gifts
Looking for creative, inexpensive gift ideas for Christmas/Hanukkah gifts for our friends and family? This article has many wonderful and inexpensive ideas.

Need Table Decorations
Some great and inexpensive ideas for creating interesting table decorations.

Getting the Most for Your Christmas Tree Dollar
A story which talks about the different types of Christmas trees you can get and how to meet your tree budget.

Ho, Ho, Ho -- Merry Shopping!
..."This Christmas, I'm determined to give gifts that will be remembered past New Year's. On the limited budget of a stay-at-home mom, however, discovering special presents becomes a bit challenging."...

Creative Gifts for the Holidays
"...Happy Holidays! I would like to share some unique gift giving ideas with you. I love to create baskets for Christmas gifts. Baskets show that you spent some thought while you were preparing the gift. Here are some ideas of themes you could use for a basket:..."

The Family Room : Homebodies

Exiting Off The Fast Lane
..."After childcare, car payments, taxes and lunches out, I was clearing $39 a week. No way! I checked it again. The result was the same. I had been unknowingly trading my dream of staying home for less than a dollar an hour."...

Home Sick
..."Even on sickdays, I love being a stay-at-home mom."...

Cultivating Kindness in Children
..."One of the best legacies we can give them is a kind heart. Cultivating kindness in youngsters develops a priceless quality which will infuse all other areas of their lives."...

The Inheritance
..."I saw my mother in the most unexpected place the other day. She lives four hours away, but as I passed the hall mirror, I spotted her out of the corner of my eye."...

Finding Your Mentor
..."Mentors appear throughout the seasons of our lives. It's a wise woman who takes advantage of their wisdom. As you consider becoming a stay-at-home mom, talk to women who are already there."...

Discipline and Disk Drives
..."Work-at-home moms often enjoy the best of both worlds. They can be with their children and pursue some work-for-pay at the same time. Of course, the balance between these two endeavors isn't necessarily split 50-50."...

A Way With Words
..."Though I work with words everyday, I still occasionally manage to be misquoted or misunderstood. And I guarantee you'll eventually run into the same thing as you share with others your hopes and aspirations regarding being, or becoming, a stay-at-home mom."...

Exploring Working at Home
As you might imagine, it's a rare day when I don't receive an e-mail regarding work-at-home prospects. Although stay-at-home parents are generally well-versed in stretching their dollars, sometimes it's helpful to examine options for generating extra cash while still focusing on family.

The Family Room : Jenny Wanderscheid

I Need More Time!!!
..."I walked around all morning thinking it was Tuesday. It was not. It's already Wednesday. I missed a whole day? Ever get that feeling? Ever feel like you have so much to do that you can't keep track of anything?"...

Is it Really Broken?
..."As each year passes, things become clearer, possesions mean so much less, and laughter and love have become oh so much more precious. So, take a moment, hug your children, kiss your husband, call your mother, just to tell her you love her. "...

Quit Competing and Just Live!
..." Imagine what your life would be like if you quit worrying so much about what everyone else around you was doing, and instead worried about your own responsibilities and worried about how you could help people around you. Now, quit imagining and do it. "...

Tips for a Long Lasting Marriage
..."I am not an expert on marriage, and I don't claim to know all the answers. On my 70th anniversary maybe I will probably have more advice, but for now, I hope this helps someone :) "...

The Family Room : Jimmy Patterson

A Perfectly Good Bowl of Cereal Wasted
..."It really did happen that way, I promise. I sat at the family computer and watched the whole thing unfold. The morning our younger daughter got up and spit oatmeal into her older sister's cereal was not unlike the bugle call that signaled the first battle of the Civil War. The little one was three at the time; her older sister was seven. "...

Slumber Party
Jimmy Patterson shares his humorous view of his twelve year old daughter's slumber party.

Turn your 3-year-old son's potty training into aerobic exercises!
..."About that time, The Boy, our 3-year-old Herculean specimen of a son, called out that he needed to go potty. I got up, turned the light on for him and sat back down. Next thing I knew, I was back in the bathroom, tending to him. Bending, lifting. You know the routine. A kid sheds his diaper and it's more work for parents than diapers ever were."...

No wait, don't go ... Please Stay
..."Whether he died accidentally or for some other reason, it really makes little difference to the remaining teenagers who are all experiencing the death of one of their own. All they know is that a friend, an acquaintance, a classmate, a good kid, is dead. And they didn't get a chance to say goodbye."...

Remember -- when you get to second, turn left, not right!
..."If there's one thing I've learned about being a t-ball coach ... well, I mean, besides not to tell a 5-year-old girl you'd like to take a pair of shears and lop off her protruding pigtails -- it is this: As strange as it may be to the uninitiated, it's actually OK to refer to boy t-ball players as "Babe" when they are wearing The Uniform. HOWEVER, it is important to remember that when using the word, "Babe" when talking to a player, you must at least SOUND like a Major League manager. T-ball coaches must learn to chatter like big leaguers."...

A Walk On Sacred Ground
..." I remember the day well. There were many tears shed in our family. We looked on as Tom Brokaw, himself emotional, recounted the horror of the day. The devastation. The senseless loss of life. And, of course, the countless images that quickly became forever ingrained in our minds, such as the photo of a fireman carrying the lifeless body of young Bailey Almon."...

Going For Broke En Route to Soccer Practice
..."Just the other day, I was unwittingly forced into another common dad position: Chief Executive Officer in Charge of Family Financial Affairs. In my role as CEOCFFA, I was rushed into a purchase without really having any time to give it much thought, or to get a consult -- much less an approval -- from Mrs. P."...

The Family Room : Judy Edmonds

Bearly There
"It taught us a couple of lessons. Manners do matter, even in stuffed toys. If you encourage children to believe that their toys are real, you must enforce standards of behavior that you would expect from real people. And everyone should have computer skills, even toy bears!" ...

Hello Grandpa, It's Tasmin
"...We no longer live in a society where we can expect to be near our extended family for all of our lives. In many ways this new society is a better one. We may be prepared to trade off living with grandparents for the increased space and better housing that we have now. But we should make every effort to keep those family relationships going. They have so much to teach our children. " ...

Childhood Worries - A Darker Place?
"...The trouble with childhood, at least one of them, is that adults know that everything will be all right. A child cannot know that, because the adult's grasp of the future is based on extrapolation from known facts and experiences. The well of childhood fears is a very deep and dark place. We have all been there, but how many of us can remember what it is like? " ...

Christmas Musings
"..So I enjoy Christmas, and make the most of the opportunities. I don't care if the children do think it's about Barbie Dolls, they will grow up to understand that it's also about being close to people. "

Email from Dad
This month's Bearpit column is actually an email from the author's husband, Graham. Judy is laid up with the flu and this was the very inciteful email that he sent to explain his stand-in life as Mr. Mom!

At Least We Have a Choice
..."Are we made of weaker stuff than previous generations? Are we too self-centered to cope with the rigors of life that our great-grandmothers had to take for granted? I would prefer to think that we are now educated to employ choice. What do you think? "...

Bad Parenting
..."At times it feels as though all of society is against the parent. We are accused of bad parenting no matter what we do - if we work outside the home, if we don't work outside the home, and no matter how our children behave. People glare at us if we appear in public with our children - even other parents do!"...

Art Appreciation
..."We get some strange looks taking young children around art galleries and museums. There are times when it doesn't work. The two to four-year age, for instance, can be a trial if they're not interested. "...

I'm Not Paranoid, It's Just That Everyone's Out To Get Me
..."Just for fun (ho ho) I thought I'd look up 'millennialism' on the Net just now. I've watched a couple of TV program about 'end-of-the-world-isms' and that, coupled with the horrendous weather we've had in South Eastern Australia this last couple of days, plus the storms in Europe, made me think about millennialism a bit. The Net search left me deeply worried - not that the world IS about to end, but about the existence of the nutters who proliferate their ideas in cyberspace."...

Hi There Normality
..."Have you got a normal child? If so, congratulations, and maybe you could drop me a line and tell me what it feels like. If, as I suspect, you don't, join the club."...

The Family Room : Linda Sharpe

Universal Truths
Published writer, Linda Sharp, shares her humorous outlook on parenting! This article is a must read for parents that have had to deal with their child having the flu this season!

A Pleasant Evening Out?
"We recently celebrated our eight year anniversary. No small feat considering the six small feet that are constantly in between us! With three children under the age of 7, quality grown up time is always at a minimum. However, our anniversaries are very important to my husband and I. They are always made up of a wonderful restaurant, a glorious bottle of wine, some fabulous cuisine and quiet conversation as we reminisce on where we have been and how far we have come. As our actual date landed on a Friday, we had decided to go out on Saturday night, so he would not be rushed coming from work, TGIF traffic, etc. Would not want him to be all stressed on our big evening out, right? HA! " ...

Father's Day
A humorous poem about the the life of a dad, from bachelorhood to fatherhood.

Great Expectations
.."Have you ever noticed that children aspire to those jobs which are generally the most demanding, yet the least compensated in our society? Think about it....we'll start with my daughters...."

Liar, Liar
.."She finally spoke again, "I guess you're right. Plus, if there is no Santa Claus that means they have been telling us lies, and we don't tell lies in this house." I felt like I had been hit in the stomach. Never, I repeat, NEVER had it ever crossed my mind, that we were lying to our children. I mean when you are having fun buying Barbie Dolls and Teletubbies, where's the harm?..."

Supply & Demand: School Supplies Demand A Second Mortgage!
..."And I would often find her hyperventilating into a paper bag, the checkbook and calculator on the counter before her. It was not until my own daughters hit Kindergarten that I too discovered how the words "Back-to-School" could strike terror in the heart of a parent. ...."

Traditions?
..."I wanted to be able to expound on some tear jerking, centuries old, yule-laden, velvet wearing, "Must-Do ", that we are passing down to our daughters. Sure, we make Christmas cookies, read The Night Before Christmas, and open our gifts Christmas morning, NOT eve, but I really had to stop and ask myself, " What tradition are we giving our children?". ...."

Resolutions
..."As parents, resolutions tend to center around our children and our desire to be better parents with each passing year. To that end, I humbly offer, the Top 10 Resolutions Every Parent Should Make For The Millennium...."

The Family Room : Mia Cronan

Leaping the Hurdles
Anyone who has ever started his own home-based business knows how precarious the future can look, considering all the obstacles and potential pitfalls.

Working with No Faces
I have made an interesting set of friends on the internet, most of whom I've never spoken with and probably never will. Yet I know them.

Fireworks Aren't Just for July
I have found that simple communication can really put a spark in things after an exhausting day. Take the time to just listen to each other.

Hey, Who's the Boss, Here?
We've all been in situations with our children when, out in public, we just want to crawl into a big hole in the ground, never to be seen again, right?

Mom's Identity Crisis
..."Do you ever wonder what the rest of the world is doing while you are up to your ears in laundry, dishes, and toys?"...

Go Ahead and Waste It - It Was Free
..."Free things are not really free when you consider that they do have value, they do serve a purpose for us, and if wasted, they never got a chance to serve their purpose."...

Mom's Work-At-Home Dilemma
..."Gathering together in one neat pile all the things I've gotten from those encounters, I'd say that most moms don't know where to start, nor are they fully aware of what type of work they are capable."...

The Family Room : Parenting Humor

Grocery Shopping - A Father's Guide
.."With Ryan, stuffed chicken and big pooh in my left arm, and my right hand placed in the center of the carts push bar, we're ready to attack!....as soon as I pick Pooh up again. With my cart hand I pull the list my wife has written on the back of a way overdue bill from my pocket. My wife's lists always bare a striking resemblance to a ransom note..."

Christmas, Easter and Tooth Decay - An Operational Guide
This essay is a humourous look at what a parent has to go through to help a child believe in Santa, The Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.

Breakfast Cereals
Fifteen minutes later my husband comes in to find me sobbing on my kitchen floor amidst eighteen boxes of dumped out cereal. As I sift through the Cheerios, my child sits at the table grief stricken and starving. I am a failure as a mother.

Ketchup and Alfredo Sauce - Adventures in Dining
..."Most families love to eat out, mom gets a night off from cooking, no kitchen to clean up, heaven right?"...

How to Eat Like a 5 Year Old
A humorous article about the mechanics of eating like a preschooler!

911
..."But no. I'm informed that they've received eight 911 calls from our phone that morning. "Oh, no. That's not possible," I assure them. "Everything's fine--there must be a glitch with the phone company." "Well ma'am," said the trooper. "The dispatcher heard kids in the background. You got any kids?" "...

Life is Funny, That's a Fact
..."This essay is about my experience telling my son about the facts of life, about my daughter's curiosity of where babies come from, and about the sex lives of parents. It is a humorous view of life as a parent."...

The Family Room : Relationships

Courtesy Doesn't Stop With Saying, "I Do"
..."We say please and thank you to complete strangers every day, but all too often forget, or should I say neglect, to extend these same courtesies to our partners. Being kind, thoughtful and respectful to our partners doesn't stop when we say, "I do." "...

Building A Lifelong Love Affair
..."Recently I received a letter from a young man who had been married only a few years. He was seeking advice for what to do with a marriage which had seemingly lost the spark and excitement it once had. He was finding his marriage dull and routine, and was looking for an excuse to seek fulfillment elsewhere. This young man's dilemma is certainly not unique. Just look at the staggering divorce rates in this country if you don't believe me. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem."...

Apology Accepted
..."An apology gives us a perfect opportunity to openly discuss and resolve issues and problems. It also serves as a wonderful chance to show and grow the love we have for each other. "...

Apologising - A how to guide
How many times has somebody upset you, and yet although you are sure they must know what they have done, an apology is never offered? Some people simply refuse to see the error of their ways, some a afraid to apologise incase their apology is rejected. Some even think that you should automatically "know" that the other is sorry (yep, they truly expect us to be mind readers). But if you've upset somebody, an apology should always be offered.

Fireworks Aren't Just for July
I have found that simple communication can really put a spark in things after an exhausting day. Take the time to just listen to each other.

Caring for Your Couple's Relationship While Trying to Conceive
Here are some ways to feed and nurture each other while trying to conceive.

12 Tips To Improve Your Relationships
"FACE READING is an easy simple method of understanding yourself and everyone. Knowing the personality behind the face, you can approach your customer (everyone) according to their personality. Here are some hints to help you."

The Family Room : Saving Time and Money

From Budget Stretch to Savings
The article answers a reader who can never seem to get any of the money she earns into a savings program.

401k Savings Plans
This article explains what a 401K Plan is and discusses how the 401k program can increase the amount of money available to you after retirement.

At Least We Have a Choice
Are we made of weaker stuff than previous generations? Are we too self-centered to cope with the rigors of life that our great-grandmothers had to take for granted? I would prefer to think that we are now educated to employ choice. What do you think?

Bartering for Bargains
..."Bartering has a way of helping us identify what things are important to us. When we trade our time, talents or goods it gives us a chance to think of their value in a new light. We also get an opportunity to look at our own skills more closely."...

Dressing Better for Less
Being fashionably dressed doesn't need to cost a fortune. Tips for helping you dress well for less money covered in this article.

Do I Need a Will?
This week's Dollar Stretcher column takes a look who needs a will and how to go about aquiring one.

An Odyssey Into Frugality: How I Became A Miserly Mom
- by Jonni McCoy, Author of Miserly Moms ..."Parenthood brings about many changes -- but frugality was not one that I expected. My husband and I had a pleasant lifestyle. Adding a child made it even more pleasant. But, as the years went by, I could see that I had to make a choice. What was best for my child?"...

Behind On Credit Card Bills
There's over $18 billion dollars in past due credit card accounts. This week we answer a question from a reader who's getting harrassing phone calls about their past due account. What can she do to stop the calls? And, what can she do to get out of debt?

Check In the Mail - How Free After Rebate Programs Work
Article explains how websites and manufactureres can afford to have free after rebate offers.

20 Gas & Electric Money Savings Tips
You would be surprised just how much you can lower your utility bills by taking a few of these simple steps. Here are 20 quick and easy tips.

The Family Room : Susan Kawa

Step in Puddles
Painting my fingernails means ALSO painting the fingernails of everyone else in the house, including the cat (have you tried this? Let me tell you, it's a treat.) I can usually mar a manicure in less than 12 seconds, because my kids have nail polish radar.

Kid Breakfast
Don't they know that the chances of getting Tofu into a child's stomach are roughly equivalent to winning the tri-state lottery. FICTION, is my point. Real families don't whip up nutritionally balanced power smoothies every morning (my apologies to the freaks who do).

Spilling Stuff
As children grow, they become more comfortable with solid foods - meaning that the mess migrates from the general body-area onto the floor, walls, ceiling, and any difficult-to-clean surface within 8 feet (that distance growing with the cube of the child's age). Clever manufacturers have addressed this problem, and now sell cute little "mess mats" to place under high chairs to catch the spills. Spills that only a trained stunt-adult could make so smartly. I've always found that plastic painter's tarps and elevator quilts work better.

NASCAR
Frankly, racing in an expensive car with no requisite stops, and no children sounds like my idea of a vacation, never mind a "sport". They don't even have to pump their own gas! But people somehow have enormous respect for these driving gurus. They travel large distances to watch the races. They plan weddings around them, and endure incredible hardships, mostly in the form of traffic, to congregate in support.

Hand Holding
Toddlers, in their egocentric little worlds, consider hand-holding as "possession". They believe that they have control. And they're pretty much right, because even though they weigh a lot less than us, Einstein showed that ENERGY counts as mass, too. This is why sometimes I'm pretty much hanging on to a Sherman Tank. A screaming Sherman Tank. And God forbid I let go for a second - to adjust a purse strap threatening to amputate at the elbow. This is commonly interpreted as a clear signal to RUN.

Laundry
..."When do you suppose "laundry" started? First instinct tells me that it must have happened as soon as bodily covering came into vogue, but I have a sneaking suspicion that humanity went around stinking for a few centuries before it occurred to someone that water came in three temperatures for SOMETHING."...

Quality Time
..."I just mounted a brass door knocker on my bedroom door - at bellybutton height. It looks ridiculous, but it's one in a series of desperate attempts to carve out some quality time with my husband."...

The Vest
..."I have to say that my son tends toward "frightening" when it comes to clothes. He's MUCH too opinionated about fashion, and always has been, despite the fact that "matching" has never been high on his list of clothing priorities. It started when he was 2 years old, and insisted on wearing his "uniform" everywhere: wingtip shoes, no socks, flannel PJ bottoms, no shirt, a life jacket, and a bicycle helmet. I am not exaggerating. I have pictures, which I thoroughly intend to reproduce at poster-size for his wedding reception. "...

The Family Room : Work and Home

Entrepreneurial Couples are Always a Partnership
When I use the expression "entrepreneurial couple," the first image that comes to mind for many is that of a husband and wife working together as full-time partners in a business. We imagine each having an active role in the daily operation of a retail store, service business, or manufacturing enterprise. My years of research have led me to take a position I feel passionate about: Any couple, where one or both individuals are self-employed, is an entrepreneurial couple. Any spouse who is not actively working in the business is always, to some extent, a partner in the business.

How To Turn Your Stay-At-Home Mom Dream Into a Reality
..."If I had it to do again, I truly would have investigated my feelings on being an at-home mom more intensely and saved more to prepare for such an undertaking. Instead, I had to return to work for five months, setting a goal for myself to be at home again for good by my daughter’s first birthday. I beat the goal by three months"...

How to Start a Profitable Home-Based Business

Family-Friendly Work Schedules: A Work/Family Balance Solution

Going Part-Time: How to Afford Cutting Back Your Hours

Home Employment Secrets Revealed
My persistence and determination finally paid off. And that is the lesson here. "NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS." "NEVER BE DISCOURAGED BY OTHERS." "ALWAYS BE WILLING TO TRY." "AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK."

Leaping the Hurdles
Anyone who has ever started his own home-based business knows how precarious the future can look, considering all the obstacles and potential pitfalls.

Home Employment Secrets Revealed
"...I desperately wanted to work from home so I could be there for my kids and to get away from the endless commute to and from my job. I was miserable every morning going into the office, fighting the traffic. By the time, I got to work; I was in a bad mood and it took me at least an hour to two hours to get into a work attitude and that wasn't fair to my employer..."