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.

How to find yourself when you’re focused on raising someone else?

Younger mamas, I want you to know that us older mamas are just as befuddled at times as you are. I was in my mid-30s when I had my first child, and I don’t feel as if you ever finish the finding-yourself journey — nor would I want to. It’s part of the joy of being alive.

That said, here’s what’s helped for me to reconnect in areas of my life that need it…

Infertility, and the 5 stages of grief

During the first six months of marriage, I wasn’t too concerned about my fertility. After all, I was unaware of any fertility difficulties within my family. At the six month mark, I began feeling impatient. When there was still nothing after eight months. This is about when I started going through the stages of grief

Raising children on the spectrum when you are also on the spectrum

My son is diagnosed with Asperger’s and my daughter was diagnosed with moderate autism. Just recently my therapist told me that I fall on the spectrum too.

Being told that was like a door I had been pushing at finally opening and letting in the fresh air, I knew it I was different, I knew it in my bones since before I had my son, I just didn’t know how to speak about these things.

Supporting a transitioning family member, when there’s an un-supportive family

My husband’s sister is transitioning from female to a male. While we’re supporive, my husband’s family still thinks this is a phase, and Moe* (not their real name) will just go back to being “herself” again when this gets old.

They aren’t considering the fact that Moe has already started testosterone injections, and seems very set about this decision…

Creating a life vs. becoming a mom: thoughts on adoption and surrogacy

I have never thought of myself as motherly. Never wanted any part of it. I’m 26 now, and have always known that I didn’t want children of my own. But when I was 19 I had a surprise pregnancy. I was careful, but life happens. Long story short, I chose adoption. I knew I couldn’t do it and wanted the best for my little person…

5 things to do to get your relationship ready for a baby

Boundaries, dates, and looking at baby pictures together…

Here are some of the best things we did, when I was pregnant, to get our relationship ready before the baby came!

What teachers want you to know about helping your kid with homework

As a 4th and 5th grade teacher, I rarely use homework for grades. I simply use it to ensure the kids understand what they have learned. I actually prefer it when parents do very little “help” because it generally is the parents coming pretty darn close to doing the work for them.

But of course you want to help your kid learn! So here’s how I would advise you on helping your kid with homework…

Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids

Real talk: Parenting is hard, and there are times when some moms regret having kids. Whether you’re in that position yourself, or have a friend who going through that… here are some great pieces of advice from women who have BEEN THERE. Here’s what moms who have (at one time or another) regretted being moms have to say about moms who regret having kids…