(For Kerry Cohen’s response to this piece, “An Open Letter To Janine Kovac,” click here.) You know you want kids, but you’re still not sure you’re ready. Mother of three, Janine Kovac, asks: What are you waiting for? This is an open letter to an old friend of mine. I’ll call her “Doris.” If you’re […]
When professionals told Lynn Beisner she was a good mother, she wouldn’t believe them. She discusses why the best parents are usually the ones who feel most incompetent. I held the large white envelope with trembling hands. In it was the all-important evaluation of my parenting. It would likely determine the outcome of my young […]
Originally appeared on Kiki & Tea. Republished here with permission. I’ve been encouraged to write about what it’s really like to be a stepmother. This is from my experience, from the forums I’m a part of, and talks about what it’s like to be a stepmother while the mother is still around, without any children […]
Sarah Laing is not damaged, she does not find it impossible to form relationships with men, and she doesn’t want your sympathy. She just wants to know why her father doesn’t want to know her. I don’t have any tattoos. I haven’t developed a drug addiction. I’m in a stable relationship with a wonderful man. […]
Originally appeared on Everyday Feminism. Republished here with permission. The day I found out the baby I was carrying was a girl, I bought a frilly, pink dress. It had taken me a long time to get pregnant and I wanted a girl. Yes, I wanted a “healthy baby” but I was honest enough with […]
This originally appeared on Eat The Damn Cake. Republished here with permission. “What made you decide?” asked my friend Brenda, on the phone. “Um,” I said. I thought for a while. “I should figure it out,” I said. “I should try to think of the moment.” It eluded me. I could explain the reasons not […]
Parents can not always control what happens to their kids, but they can help them cope. When my daughter came out of my body and was placed on my chest, bloody and blue, ears stuck to her cone-shaped head, eyes that were open but saw nothing, I whispered something to her. Tired, sore, and on […]
Single mom Katerina Zacharia shares her self-care strategy for the new year. Three years ago, a child therapist asked, “So, what are you doing to take care of you?” I wanted to leap across the table and strangle her throat. “What the heck kind of question is that? Why would you ask something so ignorant, […]
