Tanya Frank grew up without her father, but her curiosity about him has never gone away. I was 3 years old when my father left. I can’t remember much about that day, but I do remember that my father’s name was Alexander Mordecai, and that mom called him Alec. I know this because a few […]
This originally appeared on Mamamia. Republished here with permission. One of the hardest things about becoming a stay-at-home mom is the feeling that you’ve turned invisible. Once the gifts and the cards following the birth of your baby subside, the indifference to your daily grind can be depressing. No-one, it seems, is interested in listening […]
This originally appeared on Everyday Feminism. Republished here with permission. Toy buying is often a minefield for feminist parents. Many parents ask me something along the lines of, “OH NO! My daughter loves [fill in girly, pink, princess toy here]! What do I do?” There is a great deal of fear that having a daughter […]
I’m not disappointing anyone. I’m not obligated to anyone but myself and my chosen family. I don’t have to feel guilty or that I’m a terrible daughter. It might be strange to say that I feel lucky to be without parents, but it’s true. I have amnesia when it comes to other people’s families. I […]
This originally appeared on Mamamia. Republished here with permission. I have never considered myself very maternal. I make babies cry and I really do not understand the appeal of them. Puppies I totally get—babies, not so much. For much of my life motherhood was something I intended to do someday but in recent years, it […]
Tanya Frank’s father-in-law is traditional, tough, stoic and stubborn, but he’s dying and needs help. She offered, and somewhere along the way, an unlikely friendship was formed. My father-in-law is dying. At least that is what the nurse from the Mission Hospice seems to think. She calls it “declining,” but the way she lowers her […]
Divorce for an adult child is many things, but easy isn’t one of them, says Chelsea Cristene. I remember, clear as day, the moment my parents told me they were getting a divorce. Which was odd, considering my head was as fuzzy as the view out of my windshield, wipers ineffective against the rain, as I […]
My daughter always wants me to look my best, and I want her to be proud of me, but I don’t want to teach her that looks matter most. My 8-year-old daughter often goes through my closet and tries on some of my fancier clothes and shoes. A silver-beaded tank, a cashmere halter, a sheer […]
