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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Onesie decorating that doesn’t suck: a primer for baby shower planners

I’ve been to other onesie-decorating baby showers, and the results have often been disappointing. But as a long-time crafter, I have faith that anyone can make something adorable with the right tools and support.

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Priorities change when husbands become fathers

When you’re falling in love, you have a very important job. You’re choosing your mate for life, and you don’t want to mess it up. You’re looking for someone who makes you laugh and values you as a person. You want to see that he has kindness in his heart and that he will treat […]

Little Miss

Who am I to my partner’s daughter?

My cousin’s parents had been separated for years and her mum happily re-partnered with man that my cousin now happily refers to as her stepdad despite no formal marriage taking place. Along the way my cousin had a few ‘uncles’ and knew playmates who often had their parents’ significant others masquerading as ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles.’

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How much do midwives cost in the United States?

How much do midwives generally charge for their services? My husband and I both have jobs with crummy insurance (What? In the United States? Shocker), and I’m a little worried about the cost of birthing a baby in a hospital. Do midwives offer payment plans, like I’m currently making on my couch? -Eliza Midwives, especially […]

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Steampunk maternity fashion

Who says the last month has to be about tent-shirts and sweatpants? At 8.5 months pregnant, Dominianne is fully rocking her hand-crafted Steampunk maternity wear. For another couple shots of this amazing outfit, keep reading! HOTNESS!

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Breastfeeding bride

It’s not every day I post something on Offbeat Bride that Offbeat Mamas would love … but this shot of a breastfeeding bride from Whitney Lee is too good to pass up: For more shots of how baby Ada was a part of this gorgeous wedding, head on over to Whitney’s blog.

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So, what do your kids call their genitals?

o there I was…about to sit down for some lunch with my father, step-mother, Ranger and The Kids. Ranger and Big J were wrestling in the living room when Big J shrieked with laughter, “Daaadddy, you hit me in my penis!”

Tim

The position of aunty is a defense position

I am still adjusting to my new role as an aunty, especially as I have no little ones of my own (yet). While I thought it would all be about occasional nappy changing, Chrissie presents and backyard cricket it turns out it’s just as much taking care of the grown-ups as the little ones.