Expert Advice
Q. I just found out that one of my 16-year-old son’s close friends is in rehab – or has started AA or something similar. I don’t have all the details, but I’m worried. If his friend is in this deep,…
At the Peak of His Powers
Left, right, left, right - okay, now I'm in the groove. Just keep the stride going for ten more minutes, and the treadmill odometer will hit that magic three-mile mark. Then tomorrow I'll see if I can push it a…
Advice for Parents
Q: Our first son was talking up a storm by age two, but his little brother doesn't seem to be picking it up as well. He follows directions, so we know he hears just fine. A friend has suggested looking…
If Your Kid’s Arrested
I've been arrested. Once, when I was fourteen years old. That's right. Your RFM legal writer has a criminal record. Surprised? Probably not. Many law-abiding, hard-working parents have had a brief run-in with law enforcement, most likely during those rebellious…
Hallo-when?
When I was a kid, Halloween was one day. It was a glorious day to be sure. But it was one day - in the life of a busy, happy family with six children and two working parents. When Halloween…
Driving Lessons
I can chart my children’s maturation via their changing locations in the family car. First came the backward-facing infant seat, and then the forward-facing infant seat. Time passed and the infant seat was replaced by a child car seat, which…
Accidents Happen
Ten days after I got my driver's license, I was in a car accident. Another driver drifted into my lane and hit my car while tuning his radio. The good news is that everyone was okay. Only my car was…
Toddler Play and Postpartum Depression
Q: I asked my brother what his three-year-old wanted for Christmas and he said that all his little girl does is play on his iPad. Do you have any advice for parents who think that's okay? A: I stand with…
Rooted in Tradition
It was eighteen years ago in early autumn when my husband and I took our dog, Rosco, and our two-day-old marriage camping. Over the years, I've learned that most couples cannot begin to fathom why we would have thought a…
Early Parenting Education
My daughter Zora just celebrated her first birthday. Or, more accurately, the family celebrated it for her. At her age, life's a party. Every day brims with play and doting attention. If only the good times could roll uninterrupted from…
