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.

My six-year-old wants her ears pierced: where can we go?

If your child wants his or her ears pierced and YOU don’t want it to be by a piercing gun… what are your options? Is taking your child to a piercing studio an option?

Two gay dads + twelve adopted kids = fourteen happy family members

AZ Central recently featured the wonderful story of Steve and Roger Ham, a gay couple raising 12 adopted children in a state not historically known for positive attitudes toward the ideas of gay marriage OR gay adoption.

How can we get a toddler ready for a not-quite-sibling?

Anie and her husband are a pregnant half of a polyamorous couple. How can they get their partner’s children ready for impending birth?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!