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.

Adiós U.S. health care system: I’m having my baby in Mexico

Molly and her husband have decided to ditch the American health system and give birth to their second child in Mexico.

Five offbeat movie mamas who make us proud

I love movies and I love moms, so it makes sense that I would love moms who are in movies! Here are five of my fave offbeat movie mamas — who are yours?

New Year’s resolutions for parents AND children

Nita was working out her own New Year’s Resolutions when her kids inquired about the meaning of the tradition, and then came up with a few of their own.

How to be a Godless Godmother

I am an atheist punk, and have been since about the age of 12. My best friend, and mother of my godchild, is Christian. We respect each other’s viewpoints and have adopted each other as family, so it only made sense that when she got married and started procreating that I would be officially added to her new family – as the godmother.

Turn your living room into a learning space for $20 or less

As our son grows up, Sean and I are super interested in finding new, fun, and more offbeat ways to help him love learning. What ideas do you have?

Copy ‘n’ paste phrases for when you don’t need more baby crap

We’ve gotten numerous questions from readers about how to communicate with friends and family about baby gifts. Specifically, how to let them know you don’t want any, are ok with used stuff, don’t want any before the baby’s born, etc. We’ve got suggestions!

The Human Incubator: how Kangaroo Care saves preemies

The practice of Kangaroo Care in NICUs is widespread, and the positive impact has been most keenly felt in hospitals in developing nations, especially those without machine incubators or other medical equipment.

Parenting tips from a teen who grew up going to festivals

As a now seventeen year old, on the cusp of adult life, liberty, and the freedom to pay taxes or be tried as an adult, I will say that having an alternative upbringing is equal parts a blessing and a curse … but definitely very educational.