10 Young Adult novels that don’t suck
As a middle school English teacher, I’ve read a lot of young adult literature and, quite frankly, there’s a lot of crap out there (I won’t even climb on my anti-Twilight soapbox). Navigating the muddy waters of YA lit can be akin to, well, teaching middle school, but there really are some amazing reads in this genre.
The pitfalls of offbeat baby names debunked
I’ve heard the objections before but I’ve always loved unusual names so nay-saying never really had an impact on me. However, I have felt that if I planned to give my own child an unusual name it was my duty to really, truly examine those objections. Would giving my kid an unusual name really damage her? I’m thinking no.
How do you balance honesty with the harsh realities of the world?
Before becoming a mom, I always told myself that I would be honest and straightforward with my children. I want them to be intelligent and mature, so I would speak to them in the same manner. In other words, no sugar-coating or censoring the crap out of their lives.
My six-year-old is totally a gamer
My daughter is six years old and she’s a gamer. Right now she is a level 22 wood elf in Skyrim. She smiths, making her own steel armor to match Lydia, her house carl, and prefers one-handed weapons and magic along with a dwarven bow. She’s part of the Thieves Guild, a Companion, a Werewolf and the Arch Mage of the College of Winterhold. Basically, she owns that shit.
What’s the best way to make your own cloth diapers?
We’re currently expecting our first, and on a bit of a tight budget. My wonderful Mum has offered to make cloth diapers for us, but my diaper pattern research has been confusing as hell! I don’t know the difference between pre-fold and fitted, I don’t know if one-size is best, and I don’t know what to make them from or how to hold them shut.
Insecure about your parenting? We’ve all been there
To the casual observer, the Parenting SPY is just the guy making a deposit at the bank or the old lady weighing melons in the store or this very woman staring at me in the waiting room. Sitting next to me in her judgmental crocs trying to figure out if I’m a good parent.
Sobriety and motherhood: I stopped drinking for my baby
I am a self-admitted alcoholic… or was until I became pregnant. It took impending motherhood to rid me of my alcohol abuse, and I’m so glad it happened.
How to talk to little boys
Wondering what the best thing to talk to little boys about is? READING. Daughters are thriving and sons are flailing, and it seems like one solution might be to pick up a book and let your kid see you read for fun.