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.

Following in Momma’s footsteps: teen piercings

I was a bit of a late bloomer into the piercing thing. I started with tattoos at 21 but it wasn’t until I was thirty that piercing became cool in my book. As a rocker chick, it just seemed a natural next step. I had my ears pierced since I was 12, but I was ready for the next big thing. And, apparently, so was my daughter.

Building a family through semi-open adoption

Every family has an origin story. The boundaries of my own little family are less clear than most — we are a family formed through a semi-open adoption.

It truly does take a village: polyamorous parenting and creating space for children

If you find yourself suddenly hosting a new child or two, making a new bedroom can be a challenge. Here’s an example of how to do it inexpensively and swiftly.

Exploring Baby-Led Weaning as alternative solids introduction

The task of feeding another human being is an enormous responsibility. It can really make you think about the foods you eat when you start considering them going into your baby’s mouth.

Who needs a good Pushba fix?

Well, it’s been a while since I featured one of my favorite freaky families, and I thought I’d take a moment to celebrate summer in Russia!

How does it work when both parents work part-time?

So, you’re thinking of both working part-time jobs so that ou have time to spend with the baby. How’s that work, anyway?

Parenting outside the gender binary

We want Avie to feel as unrestrained by gender as possible. We began by giving him a gender-neutral name and attempting to dress him in neutral colors and patterns. As he gets older, we validate and encourage his emotions, and intend to support him in whatever interests he develops.

How “breeders” and the Child-Free can get along

While I think the world would be a better place if more people were Childfree, there’s no denying that communications between parents and Childfree folks are often, uh, STRAINED.