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.

Norway Chicago 1

How I started to love my stretch marks

STRETCH MARKS! The bane of many a pregnant woman’s existence. It only took Cindy approximately one hour to love hers.

401828114 13abd1b678

How do you find offbeat parent friends?

Once you’re well into adulthood, how do you find your people? Stephanie and I will both take a stab at answering, and then we’d love to hear from Offbeat Mamas themselves about how they do it!

2871294918 0b4db353f8

Walking the parent consumerism line: how much is too much?

What did you get while you were pregnant? More importantly — what didn’t you get. How can parents STOP with the rampant consumerism already?

Window Closet

Making 1000 square feet work for three

Emily, her fiancée, and their toddler son all live in the same 1,000 square foot space and make it work in a way that’s comfortable for everyone.

adopting

Fielding questions about adopting — what you should say, and what you should avoid

Suggestions for both parents who are planning to adopt, and friends who are surprised by their “We’re adopting!” exclamation.

P1040644 e1280551008895

A DJ Bunny-DILF, or “DJBDILF”

Mr. Hunny is one super-awesome DJing and piggy-back ride giving DILF.

26weeks

Another insanely creative pregnancy slideshow to love

James at Bleubird Vintage produces a lot of insanely cute stuff, the least of which is this sweet slideshow she’s made for her yet-to-be-born daughter.

2153397158 14bb88a859 b

Tips for your first backpacking trip with a baby

Elka and her husband recently made it through their first backpacking trip with baby Uli, and she’s compiled a list of tips and tricks for fellow backpacking and parenting enthusiasts.