I’m a strong, independent, outspoken woman today because of—and despite—the lessons I learned from my old-fashioned father. I’m 34 years old and no one has ever just walked up to me and said “Hey, did you go visit your dad on Father’s day?” until June 16, the day after Father’s day this year. I was at […]
This originally appeared on Amateur Idiot Professional Dad. Republished here with permission. You’re doing a bunch of things wrong. But so is everyone else. Maybe if we all admit we suck, we can stop trying to live up to some fictionalized ideal. Every other parent is doing it so much better than you are. They’re […]
At 18, I added my mother’s last name to my signature. Is it worth it to me to explain to strangers where my names come from, and to suffer through bureaucratic confusion in order to feel complete when I see my name? Yes. In The Hairpin this week, Molly Caro May hopes for a “pro-choice situation for last […]
All parents want what’s best for their kids. But for parents of boys, does that mean having a personal investment in patriarchy? The other day I unintentionally found myself in hot water when I commented on Jessica Valenti’s Guardian piece on anti-feminist women. The article was headed by a photo of a stern-looking Sarah Palin, […]
What the hell, at least there’s the possibility of having someone you can talk to during the day—someone else who gives a shit about shit. A real live baby. What will you do with it? Life forever changed in a six-and-a-half-pound package. What will you do with it? It is yours forever—no refund. Black hair, […]
Our family’s heritage is richer because we are a veritable rainbow, with varying hues of skin tones and ideals. If you talk about Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Vietnamese, Palestinians, Muslims, atheists, single moms, LGBTQ, or childless/childfree persons, then you would be talking about someone in my family; and I’ll ask you to speak respectfully. One’s heritage […]
The story in my head said girls grow up to be their mothers’ friends, and boys just grow away. Soon after my first baby was born, while my husband and I delighted in his perfect tiny self and basked in the glow of me no longer being pregnant or in labor, Eric met my eyes and […]
This originally appeared on Mamamia. Republished here with permission. “Are you worried she’ll turn out gay?” and other ridiculous questions gay and lesbian parents are sick of hearing. You all know that being a parent is a series of interesting, fun, and sometimes really weird adventures. Not only do you have to fend off advice from EVERYBODY on how […]
