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.

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Maternity photos featuring knee-high boots and day-glo glam

It turns out all things neon (think headbands and street art) are the best way to accessorize your pregnancy — ever.

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Should I make my kid take lessons even if he hates it?

Last summer, I signed my eight-year-old son up for art classes. At first he really seemed to love them, but now he says they’re “boring” and wants to quit. I don’t want to force him to do something he’s not enjoying … but I also really want to cultivate his creativity and appreciation of the arts! Should I let him bail, or keep encouraging him?

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I had a miscarriage, and I’m surprisingly ok

When I did a search about not being depressed after a miscarriage, I shouldn’t have been surprised that I didn’t find much. No one wants to be judged for not feeling the way she’s “supposed” to feel. But you know what? I really am feeling just fine.

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Make your own Elimination Communication split-pants for your kiddo

If you’re thinking of trying Elimination Communication with your kidlet, Hunny’s got a tutorial that will teach you to make your own split-crotch pants.

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Goddess Leonie’s breath-taking maternity photos

If you loved Leonie’s birth story, you’re going to fall to pieces with glee over her series of maternity photos! Just wait!

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How can we make a small space work for five kids?

We’ve seen a walk-in closet nursery — what other space-saving tips work for families? Alisha’s in a 900 sq. foot house with four kids and a baby on the way.

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Post-It Notes: an interview with the stay-at-home dad behind “Message With A Bottle”

Chris Illuminati, the stay-at-home dad behind Message With a Bottle, uses Post-It notes to remind himself of the joys and pitfalls of parenting.

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Would you let your teen get a tattoo?

A friend recently posted a status on Facebook saying her four-year-old asked to get a tattoo for her birthday — and “not one that washes off in the bathtub.” Of course, the idea of a four-year-old getting a REAL tattoo is ludicrous (and probably illegal), but it had me wondering — what if that four-year-old was sixteen? Would it be ok then?