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.

The Santa Fiasco (and owning our Unbelief)

Amy and her husband are atheists, and have also opted out of raising their daughter to believe in Santa Claus. Sometimes, especially in groups of little kids, this can be tricky.

Catching up with Pushba and Lada

Time for another chapter in the ongoing saga of “Ariel’s long-distance Russian mama-crush.” Yep, new pictures of the stunning (and pregnant!) Pushba and her daughter Lada.

My Big Fat Queer Jewish Family

David Shneer, his partner Gregg, and their friend Caryn are a “three-parent, two-house, one-home family” getting ready to bring a new life into the world. Much to his chagrin, the number one question he’s receiving is “Which one of you is the father?”

Finding a friendship with your teen

Wondering how in the world you’re ever going to get on with your kid once he or she is a teen? Kim relates the steps she’s taken to bond with her now fifteen-year-old.

A daycare teacher’s thoughts on choosing childcare

Kat is a professional childcare provider who’s been there, done that when it comes to just about everything you can dream up about kids in daycare. Here’s a few tips about how to pick a center that works for you.

Where Children Sleep: a look into the bedrooms of kids

James Mollison is a Kenya-born, England-raised photographer who recently released a book called Where Children Sleep.

How do you pick gifts for your the kids of your ONbeat parent friends?

Wondering what to get the kids of your onbeat mom and dad friends? Here’s a few potential ideas!

Achieving a love-filled homebirth

Amy and her partner, Mary, planned a homebirth with their first son, but circumstances didn’t work in their favor. Happily for them, their second son’s birth took place in their home.