We live with 9 adults and we’re pregnant — has anyone else tried something like this?
We currently live in a group house with 8-9 other people, all Burning Man artists, no kids — and my wife’s newly pregnant. We told our housemates and they were really supportive and great, and seemed interested in the idea of having something small running around the house so that they could witness the process first hand and pass on all their alt-culturey values once the kid was interactive.
Parenting without gender expectations means accepting all outcomes
Recently, I took my two-and-a-half-year-old, Avie, to a Toddler Music and Movement class that, thanks to him, devolved into something more like Toddler Music and Mosh Pit. Most of the other kids were girls who twirled or held hands in groups of three or four and happily, almost dreamily, skipped around in circles while music played. Avie stomped, put his hands on the floor and kicked one foot up in his classic “trick” pose, ran around in his own circles wind-milling his arms, and finally, purposefully, crashed into one of the girl groups and knocked them down.
Our favorite books for Offbeat Dads: let’s get a list going!
I just recently found out I’m expecting and I’m looking for recommendations for books to get my husband. When I showed him the positive test, he had this excited but completely terrified look on his face that hasn’t quite gone away. I think he is a bit more overwhelmed than he would like to admit.
An offbeat auntie Santa Monica outing
Ooooh we’ve received a little more photo magic via Two Bright Lights again! This set of photos is of photographer Ilene Squires‘s best friend and her niece and nephew. I love the idea of an auntie or uncle (or family friend!) having his or her own photo session with the kids — it’s something you don’t see a lot!
Thoughts about how urban parents are changing the face of homeschooling
Education is always a big topic on parenting sites — we’ve chatted about those who opt for public, private, home, and unschooling throughout this site’s existence. Michelle recently shared a piece that resonated with me: Linda Perlstein’s Why Urban, Educated Parents are Turning to DIY Education.
How can we share our values and views with my step-kids without insulting their other home?
I am an offbeat stepmama to two beautiful stepsons with different mothers, ages nine and one-and-a-half. In their other homes, they live relatively healthy, active lives and they are well looked after and cared for in conventional ways. They have conventional toys, are socialized according to gender (with an emphasis on heterosexuality), and are educated about nutrition using common standards.
Lainie and Miro: one mom, her son, and their adventures around the globe
It was clear that Miro was no ordinary kid and his mum was no ordinary parent. Mother and son had left their home in LA back in 2009 in order to travel the world for eight years. They had left behind all the traditional models for parenting and education in search of a nomadic existence. They were currently staying in a hostel in Manizales, Colombia. They were my first introduction to the concept of world schooling and I was fascinated to learn more of their story.
One super sweet monster/ugly doll/rainbow-themed kid’s birthday party
Eryn and Laurie recently shared photos from their daughter Izzie’s birthday that I am SO IN LOVE WITH. They’ve nicknamed their kiddo “Izzie Monster” and felt like a monster party would be the only way to really celebrate. Between the ball pit (kiddo pool + balls = instant kid fun) and coloring wall I think they most definitely did that.