by anitafaye

I love the newsletters that come in the mail this time of year and I don't understand how they ever got to be the butt of sitcom jokes. I was worried that email and websites might slow the flow of information that comes inside Christmas mailers once a year, but so far so good.  They're arriving on schedule and to me they're irreplaceable.

That was what someone told me at a child's birthday party last week.  As the parent of an only child I've heard many stupid, thoughtless remarks from other parents but this one took the cake....I just had to vent about it here.  You see, I made the mistake of engaging one of the other parents in what I thought was going to be a harmless, plesant conversation.  I paid a father a compliment on his identical twin sons, I told him that they were so well behaved and sat so patiently while the cake was handed out.  They were dear little boys.  The father then launched into a tirade about "What a handful" they are and that before he had them that he only had one child...like me.  And that, "Having one kid is easy.  Having three is a whole different story.  That's when you know you're a real parent - when you have more than one!" 

by Mom101

This week I got an email addressed to me at Cool Mom Picks, the shopping blog that I co-founded, and it nearly broke my heart.

Considering our bleak economy (or at least that's what the media war drum keeps beating), the war and all the job losses this past year, I made it very clear to many of our friends that we are no longer exchanging gifts for Christmas & Hanuhkah.  I explained that not only were we doing it for monetary reasons but to reduce stress levels (mine, as I do ALL the shopping) and to emphasize "less is more" for our children (or at least my child).  I explained that we'd much rather spend time with our friends and loved ones this holiday season (and from now on) rather than money. 

by Susan Wagner

I am continuously fascinated by the way the idea of dressing like a mom polarizes people. Celebrity moms are criticized in the media (including on blogs, by commenters and bloggers alike) both for being TOO dressed up when they're out with the kids and for schlepping when they're out with the kids.  For non-celebrity moms, schlepping is a badge of honor; worn out, ill-fitting clothing shows that you put your children first and yourself last, while a manicure and a pair of nice shoes is seen as selfish.

I only turned on the television a few times over the holiday week and each time I did it was more depressing: from the recession; to the war; to the attacks in the middle east; and to the most depressing of all - the press' relentless coverage of the Obama family in Hawaii.  I'm sure you saw the countless photos of him with his girls just trying to buy ice cream.  There were times when one could just read from the President Elect's face that his B.S. Barometer had reached fever pitch.  It raised the same annoyance levels in me as when Sarah Palin would spout words like "dontcha" or "gotcha". 

by Her Bad Mother

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the blogging community can be a lifesaving resource for new moms (and soon-to-be-moms and been-there-done-that moms and everyone in between and beyond.) That's my Internet - a community of caring peers who are always there to provided support and caring and practical help. But what about the Internet that stood by and watched a young man broadcast his suicide on YouTube? What is it that separates the nurturing Internets from the ones that scream 'jump! jump!' at a young man on a virtual ledge?

by Mir Kamin

There are certain things that my children know: My husband makes the best pancakes, their dad will always spring for donuts, and I'm the one who reminds them to do their homework and practice piano. Oh, and also, they know that they're my favorite.

by Monkey Mama

Shortly after learning I was pregnant, my husband's company closed and he lost his job. Not the news you want to receive when you are preparing to bring a new life into this world. I was frightened. But we had my job and savings, and with some cutbacks I felt we would make it through until my husband could find work. Thankfully my job paid well and I had excellent health benefits. It would be tough, but we would be all right. As the months went on my belly became bigger and our bank account became smaller. My husband's employment prospects were bleak.

Now that I have one of my own, it's no wonder A.A. Milne wrote a book of poetry for six year olds.  Something magical happened when Lily turned six on 12/22/08: she blossomed socially.  It was like she awoke from baby slumber into a true, young girl: she's chatting like mad; very confident; sassy; cracking jokes; telling her friends to copy her; had her first sleep over; and is suddenly full of 'poo poo and pee pee' songs.  It's a lot of fun....but it also makes me melancholy for my baby.  Now that we're in this stage of life the curtain has officially closed on 'totland'.  She had her friend Eleanor sleep over last night.  I was so relieved when Lily came into my room for a cuddle after her friend fell asleep.  I was actually heartened to hear her say, "I miss you mama."  I miss you too my darling....but I'm still here for you.  I always will be.

by Niran

So after kicking off my new blogging "path" writing about politics in Israel and the auto bailout I've decided to "go local" and write about what's close to heart- my household, family & kids education.

Nope! This isn't a holiday bargain hunting and gathering tale, it is a story of my son's ecstatic reaction to his gifts this year. S is almost 6 now and this year it really sunk in. Not only completely embracing the power of Santa, Advent Calendar making and counting, tree decorating and cookie making BUT Chanukah rituals as well. Dreidel playing, singing the blessings while lighting the menorah and gathering with friends at home for an abundance of latkes and cheer.

by oneofhismoms

He's sitting there in an ocean of wrapping paper.  Pouting.  He's opened the big car and the pirate ship and the play dough ice cream station.  "And what else?"  He's looking for more.  You give him the line you've always given him, "That's a lot of presents, honey.  Aren't we lucky to have so many things?"  You know for sure somewhere, probably within miles of where your three-year-old pouts, there are children who would be completely content with only one of these toys.  How did this happen?  Where is the re-wind button?