Category Archive

Families

Our sister site Offbeat Mama launched in 2009, became Offbeat Families in 2012, and was merged into Offbeat Home & Life in 2015. This archive contains all the posts ever published on those sites! We believe that while children change your life forever, being around kids doesn’t necessitate abandoning your identity. We believe in supporting and inspiring parents and caregivers who are moving beyond mainstream visions of parenting. We welcome anyone who’s interested in families, whether you’re pre-parental, in the process of becoming a parent, or choosing to live childfree.

paper rocket 02

ZOOM! Make your own paper rockets in four super easy steps

Paper rockets are the best — they will zooom in front of your nose, chase you around the house and ultimately get lost behind furniture. They’re also really easy to make, since you only need four items and the patience for four steps to complete.

4262392694 53a1185f7f

Preschoolers and the art of persuasion

In real life, how often do we do something (or not do something) simply because someone told us to (or not to)? Not that often, really. And yet adults assume that children should do things (or not do things) simply “because I said so.” I don’t do that. Instead I engage in what I call “the art of persuasion.”

sensorybinocean

DIY you’re gonna want to try: an ocean-themed sensory bin

If you’re into sensory activities (or looking for ideas to make with your kiddo), this ocean-themed sensory bin will be right up your alley.

baby larper costumes

Nerdy iron-on patterns for your LARPer baby

Ever wanted to dress your little one up like a 900-year-old man who steals blue boxes and runs a lot? Or been bummed that there aren’t enough newborn LARPing outfits? Then rejoice! Because we’ve got the perfect tutorial for you.

3680062573 0614ff9170

How can I explain scary events and tragedies to my toddler?

My family and I live in Colorado — right in the middle of the Waldo Canyon fire that’s been in the news recently. We’re safe and so are most of our friends, but we’re facing impending evacuation and have no idea what’s going to happen next. How can we explain what’s going on to our two-year-old?

4725938892 c5bde8b5ef b

Adopting the son I helped to conceive: how second-parent adoption reframes parenthood

The second-parent adoption has been an ongoing reminder that I need to reframe my ideas of motherhood for myself. Through this entire journey of conception to adoption I have been tested on my ability to bring myself out of melancholy thoughts and into recognition of everything I have to be grateful for. Just because I have always identified as a mother in one way, doesn’t mean I cannot be as much of a mother in different way.

363243434 f71fa3caf2

I survived post-partum depression — twice

Before I had kids, I was really, really happy. I didn’t exactly party like a rock star, but I had all the free time in the world. I worked 40 hours, had a great boyfriend, vacationed every chance I got, and spent office time Googling fun drinks to make after work. Then I missed a period, found out I was pregnant, and everything I thought I was dissolved.

5396528654 50f5633652

How involved are you when your kid visits family?

My husband and I each have pretty abrasive families. We don’t fear for our child’s safety in anyone’s company, but each set of personalities present their own unique complications — our families don’t really know what it means to be “kid-friendly.” What kind of ground rules should we lay down for when our kids visits?