In our September issue, to help kick of our Take Back Dinnertime Challenge (you’re signed up, right?), our managing editor Kristin van Ogtrop shares the story of what a typical dinnertime at her house looks like—complete with trick forks and a four-year-old (naked) comedian. You can read her essay, My Dueling Dinnertimes, here. So as part of the Take Back […]
more about: family
A Reader Asks: If Mother-in-Law Chain Smokes, Will Exposure Harm My Baby?
“My mother-in-law is a chain smoker. My husband and I have always put up with it. But now we have a baby.” This week’s etiquette question comes from Quidditchgirl, who writes: “My in-laws live 3,000 miles away, so we don’t see them that often, but we are planning to visit later this year. It will be expected that we’ll stay […]
How Much Computer/Video Game/Wii/Whatever Time Do You Allow Your Kids?
Well, now we’re in the thick of summer, which means that all over America, parents are breathing down their kids’ necks about how much time they spend playing Xbox 360. Or is that just at my house? We have a general rule of thumb, which is that the kids get 1 hour of screen time on school days and 1.5 […]
Glad You’re Here! Now, Leave (yawn)
The other night, when my husband got home from work at 8 p.m. (new job at a startup company), he was surprised to see the table set for seven people. “Don’t you remember?” I asked. “I invited Ted and Amy and Rahel and Greg and Emlen over for dinner.”Before he could answer, the doorbell rang. It was the next-door neighbors […]
Searching for a Lost Pet: The 14-Step Approach
1. Notice top of hamster’s cage is ajar; wonder if your house is inhabited by fairies as no one admits to knocking into cage. 2. Look under every surface on entire first floor. Wonder: Can hamsters climb stairs? Ponder. 3. Console children. 4. Nag children, who on second thought don’t seem that upset and in fact are not searching as strenuously as you […]
How Do You Squelch Motion Sickness?
It’s said that more than 34 million Americans will hit the road for a car-based family vacation this year, and there’s millions more who will board in a plane, step onto a boat, or take other modes of transport. But what about those of us who tend to get horribly, miserably motion sick? I’m one of those people, although thankfully, […]
Share Your Favorite Ice Cream Parlor + Ice Cream Giveaway
The best thing about summer is that mandatory ice cream break. Late morning. Mid-afternoon. After-dinner. Every time seems like the right time. And chances are you have a favorite local parlor in your neighborhood or while you’re out-of-town that you visit each and every day. Tell us about that ice cream shoppe because we have something sweet for you. Send […]
