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.

When holding your child out means giving him a boost up

Recently the New York Times published an article discussing “redshirting,” the practice of holding a child out for an extra year prior to entering kindergarten. Here’s one parent’s experience with the concept…

The United States won’t recognize my gay marriage or family, so I guess we have to leave

Vera and her partner are married and expecting their first baby in a few months — and also getting ready to leave the country, a choice that isn’t necessarily their own.

Breaking plans: an “Unnatural Birth” story

Erika’s planned natural birth didn’t go exactly as she envisioned–and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Awesomesauce DILF Who Does It All

Simply put? Kellen is awesome and rocks my socks off. I know, I’m totally biased. But over the last few years, he’s turned out to be the most amazing dad, husband, best friend and over-all dream man I could have ever asked for. He’s silly, sweet, strong, adores our son (and me), hilarious, smart and […]

What do your kids call you?

I tend to not let society or scientific findings sway my mothering instincts too much. I, of course, accept certain social norms, only to make it easier on Abbi growing up, but I rely mostly on my own judgment and sense of right and wrong. Ultimately, I, NOT SOCIETY, am responsible for the human being I am raising in my home. She has never been any less than a developing adult human…one that needs me to love, accept, set an example for and teach her.

Alex: Artist. Skeptical Daddy. Football Fan. DILF.

Alex is an art-creating and football-loving DILF that wifey and baby mama Amy just can’t get enough of!

A sunset baby brings in a new beginning

Just when you think Offbeat Mama’s birth stories archive can’t get any more beautiful, something like Niko’s birth comes along and knocks you off your feet.

One seriously blissed out maternity session

Need yet another reason to schedule that amazing maternity session you’ve been dreaming of? LOOK NO FURTHER!