Category Archive

People

“Homeowner”, “renter” or “squatter” – whatever the label, these occupants take the Offbeat wherever they go.

Creating a life vs. becoming a mom: thoughts on adoption and surrogacy

I have never thought of myself as motherly. Never wanted any part of it. I’m 26 now, and have always known that I didn’t want children of my own. But when I was 19 I had a surprise pregnancy. I was careful, but life happens. Long story short, I chose adoption. I knew I couldn’t do it and wanted the best for my little person…

5 things to do to get your relationship ready for a baby

Boundaries, dates, and looking at baby pictures together…

Here are some of the best things we did, when I was pregnant, to get our relationship ready before the baby came!

What teachers want you to know about helping your kid with homework

As a 4th and 5th grade teacher, I rarely use homework for grades. I simply use it to ensure the kids understand what they have learned. I actually prefer it when parents do very little “help” because it generally is the parents coming pretty darn close to doing the work for them.

But of course you want to help your kid learn! So here’s how I would advise you on helping your kid with homework…

Condoms and coercion: a gynecologist searches for good, clean fun

…I was having casual sex, of course I was using condoms, that’s just what one does. Right?

I mean, while it was always my intention to use one, in all honesty, a condom did not always make its way onto a penis prior to its arrival in my vagina.

So, what’s wrong with me? I am a gynecologist! I have a Master’s degree in public health. If ANYONE knows better, it’s me…

Advice to and from moms who (sometimes!) regret having kids

Real talk: Parenting is hard, and there are times when some moms regret having kids. Whether you’re in that position yourself, or have a friend who going through that… here are some great pieces of advice from women who have BEEN THERE. Here’s what moms who have (at one time or another) regretted being moms have to say about moms who regret having kids…

Why ethical non-monogamy is AWESOME and totally worth the extra effort

I was the partner that needed convincing to open up our relationship to ethical non-monogamy. And now, all-in-all, I think ethical non-monogamy is AWESOME and totally worth the extra effort. My boyfriend and I have now been together for six years, happily non-monogamous. Here’s how I got my head around the idea of opening up our relationship…

How to balance feminism with pragmatism in household chores

Both my partner and I consider ourselves progressive, feminist individuals. In most things, we are great about ensuring the we are contributing equally. The problem arises when it comes to the domestic sphere…

I don’t want to be responsible for the majority of the domestic chores. At the same time, I don’t think it is very feminist to force someone to do something they hate. Is there some way you have found balance in your relationships?

I’m losing my baby fever

My husband still wants kid, but I’ve found my baby fever has started to fade. I love kids, but I sometimes find myself thinking, “Maybe I don’t want this for myself after all.” After a lifetime of wanting kids, it’s a super-weird feeling.

Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what advice do you have?