When my family and I immigrated in 1977, to be an Indian-American meant replacing curry with bologna and saris with sweaters, and celebrating Diwali invisibly. My daughter’s life is very different.Read more…
Where Are the American Boy Dolls?
By Sujatha ShenoyAt the American Girl store, my 8-year-old son was enraptured by the historical dolls. Surely, there were boys in those times, boys who would have saved the day by using their wits or shown great courage in hard times. Where were they?Read more…
This Is Not Your Mother’s Marijuana Talk. So What Should We Say?
By KJ Dell'AntoniaMarijuana is legal in some states and under some circumstances, and can now be munched and drunk as well as smoked. How does that change the way we talk about it with our kids?Read more…
The ‘Breaking Bad’ Action Figure Outrage-O-Rama
By KJ Dell'Antonia“Breaking Bad” action figures probably don’t belong in your 6-year-old’s toy box. But you knew that, right?Read more…
Genetic Variant May Shield Latinas From Breast Cancer |
A new study’s findings may explain why some Hispanic women have lower rates of breast cancer than other Americans, Anahad O’Connor writes in The New York Times. Read more.
A Week of Waiting in Nebraska, for a Baby and a Change
By Anna BahneyMy first appointment at the midwives’ office in Omaha was awash in comfort, even so close to delivery.Read more…
For Some Children With Autism, Even a Toothbrush Is a Challenge
By KJ Dell'Antonia and Catherine Saint LouisDental cleanings happen only twice a year. Twice-daily brushing matters as much for dental health. To establish that routine for a child on the spectrum, start small.Read more…
Quandary: Books for Readers Whose Skills Lag Behind Their Age
By KJ Dell'AntoniaLooking for books and strategies to help a behind-the-curve reader find books that interest her, and encourage her to read and improve.Read more…
There Are More Important Things Than Saving for College
By Meadow Rue MerrillThere is no shame in having more kids than average. Or in working hard to support them without having money to fund individual college savings accounts, or telling them, “You are your ticket to college. Work hard.”Read more…
For Girl Scouts, Debates Over New Badges and Classic Pursuits Continue
By KJ Dell'AntoniaAt a convention, the Girl Scouts promised to reinvigorate the role of the outdoors in the organization, but some have questioned whether new badges mean real change.Read more…
There’s Cancer In My Future. How Am I Supposed to Feel?
By Darlena CunhaI know I have the BRCA 1 mutation, and I know I have a strong chance of developing ovarian or breast cancer. But I am 32 years old, and I don’t know what to do with that knowledge.Read more…
Family Dinners for a Complicated Week
By KJ Dell'AntoniaThis week features a lot of moving parts at our house, and dinner will not be the focus. But it still has to be planned and provided, even if not necessarily cooked.Read more…
A Primer on Financial Aid for College, for Families With No Savings |
In just a generation or two, we’ve gone from students working their way through college, to many parents still being able to write checks to cover tuition, to sticker prices being so high that two decades of savings may not be enough. For families with little or nothing saved for college, the process has to begin with a crash course in how colleges make decisions about financial aid. Read more.
Your Turn: A Weekend Thread, Open for Comments
By The New York TimesWelcome to Motherlode’s weekly open thread. Do you have thoughts about the news this week, and how it affects families? A question to ask? A rant to share? This is your place. Go. Read more…
Your Child Has Lice? Spread the Word.
By Kristin O'KeefeIf we want to have any chance at defeating, or better yet avoiding, lice, we’re going to have to be willing to talk about them.Read more…