Parenting
In love, addicted… a divided family
In 2003, I met Éliot. It was true love—the love of my life. He was kind, thoughtful, generous… He had all the right qualities—he was the perfect man—but he
Parenting
Honest stories about raising children, everyday family life, and the moments that test, surprise, and delight us.
Stories
Stories 109–216 of 323.
Parenting
Is Halloween just for kids? Really?
I have a friend who likes to dress up as a woman. Halloween has a whole new meaning for him. For one night, he can allow himself to be his true self.
Parenting
Is my baby a BABI?
Unlike some moms, I was really looking forward to going back to work. Even though I really wanted my baby and love her with an indescribable love, she’s be
Parenting
It's just a fly!
It’s summer, the weather’s nice, and it’s hot. You think to yourself, “This is it!
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It's just a game!!
Ever since I was little, I’ve been very active in sports. I’ve played a lot of individual sports, where you alone are in control of your performance, but a
Parenting
It’s better than nothing
Since I had to rely on assisted reproduction for all my children, I received more rigorous monitoring than most moms, especially early in my pregnancy.
Parenting
It’s done…
After this emotionally charged day, I head home in silence. I did something I wasn’t entirely for or against, because there are always different situations
Parenting
I’m judging you…
The word “judge” is a bit of a strong one here. Let’s just say that I disapprove of certain behaviors and that I feel like saying… Seriously? Really?
Parenting
I’m on vacation—why do I have to leave the…
I don’t want to get out of bed, I don’t want to get dressed, I don’t want to have to leave the house—I just want to stay warm on my couch.
Parenting
I’m raising my kids on my own, and it’s not…
When I think about my life plan, let’s just say I didn’t expect to end up raising my kids on my own… Unfortunately, their father decided the grass was gree
Parenting
Just a Little Sweetness
I wrote the piece “Just Some Sweetness” in July 2019. It feels like such a long time ago… It’s now March 2020. We’re in a critical period.
Parenting
Just some sweet stuff…
Things have been pretty turbulent lately: among my friends and family, on social media, in the news… Illness, breakups, financial and professional setbacks
Parenting
Labels… what are they for?
I might come across as the demanding mom or the one who’s completely in denial about her child’s needs, but I want to make this clear right away: I’m genui
Parenting
Law Enforcement and Family Law
Since, as part of my job, I sometimes have to meet with families who need help and advice regarding child custody, I thought a short article on the subject
Parenting
Learning to Live Again After the Biggest…
Losing a baby is a difficult ordeal to go through. It’s a grieving process, and sometimes you don’t think you’ll be able to get through this tough time.
Parenting
Letter to My Little Baby
My little, tiny baby, life goes by so fast that I don’t want to forget. I want to remember your scent.
Parenting
Letter to My Little Brother
I grew up with two brothers—one older and one younger than me—with whom I was about two years apart in age.
Parenting
Letter to My Mosquito
This is for you, the little one who was taken from me. Every day, you find your way into my thoughts; every day, until the very end, I will think of you.
Parenting
Letter to My School Staff
It’s important to me to write these words to my staff during these very difficult times, in the midst of this pandemic.
Parenting
Letting go… they’re just two little words…
Letting go… they’re just two little words… It’s funny, but the words “let go” come up all the time when you’re a parent or hope to be one someday… “Let go
Parenting
Letting Them Fly on Their Own
At the start of this journey, we discover a tiny human who is completely dependent on us.
Parenting
Lice
I might have had head lice… once… I’ve received at least 10 letters a year from my kids’ school about pediculosis—a fancy but rather ugly word for that pes
Parenting
Live out your passions, my child
We can’t say it enough: happiness is found in everything around us. It’s so important to see the beauty—even in the ugly—for the sake of our growth and dev
Parenting
Lockdown: Reflections After 5 Weeks
As of this writing, we are beginning our 6th e week of lockdown. In the media, there’s increasing talk of easing restrictions, and we even have a date for
Parenting
Losing a loved one who shaped who we are!
Becoming a mom—what a beautiful role. It gives us wings. We feel filled with wonder, and this role opens our eyes, reminding us of our own childhood.
Parenting
Losing It 101
First off, there will be those strangers you run into while grocery shopping. They’re pretty nosy, aren’t they?
Parenting
Lots and lots of sugar
“Celebrate the return of sunny days and the arrival of spring.” “It’s the Easter Bunny who places the chocolate eggs in the little nests prepared by the ch
Parenting
Love Evolves
I sincerely believe, from the bottom of my heart, that like everything else on this beautiful planet, love evolves.
Parenting
Love heals everything!
Finding out that your child is sick is like living your worst nightmare.
Parenting
Love Isn't Just for Other People
This is the story of a girl named Anais (a fictional name for the purposes of this text).
Parenting
Loving Too Much
The best moments of my day are when my youngest needs to drink her milk and I manage to snuggle up close to her without her squirming or wanting to wander
Parenting
Loving Your Child from the Very First…
When my first son was born, it was extremely difficult. I don’t think I was ready. I know you’re never really ready, but still.
Parenting
Loving Your Child Just as They Are
Let’s love our child just as they really are, without trying to change them and, above all, without letting others do so.
Parenting
Mia and Me
My daughter was an accident. A few months before I found out I was pregnant, I’d decided not to have children.
Parenting
Mind your own business!
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’m convinced I’m certainly not the only one going through this.
Parenting
Miss C's 30-Second Hugs
There’s hardly anything better for a mom than hugs from her children. They have this ability to make time stand still. My oldest was a clingy baby .
Parenting
Mom, Dad, and the gang.
Hi! My name is Charlie! I'm nine years old and I speak English! Sometimes I’m proud and sometimes I’m embarrassed to say I’m bilingual.
Parenting
Mom, why are you crying?
Emotions are part of a child’s learning process, but you, my child, I don’t want you to learn to be sad.
Parenting
More Complaints: The Sequel
I’m Filing a Complaint Against Screens I sat my son down to watch that show kids love so much—the one where little dogs save the world, and I mean, really
Parenting
Murphy's Law for Parents
Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” We all know this saying—the one about how toast always lands butter-side down, among other things
Parenting
My Angels
I was lucky enough to have known all my grandparents. They were very much alive and even in good health—until very recently.
Parenting
MY body, MY family!
I don’t know who I should address this to! The Minister of Health? The Quebec Order of Obstetricians?
Parenting
My child
A tribute to you, the little love of my life. My child, you’re so young, and yet you’re already my whole life.
Parenting
My child doesn't want to go to school!
5 years old. It’s time. The moment we’ve all been waiting for: My child is about to make their grand entrance into preschool!
Parenting
My child has allergies, and I'd like you to…
I’ve heard through the grapevine that school boards might decide to allow nuts in schools again and focus on raising awareness about allergies rather than
Parenting
My child is hypersensitive
I quickly noticed that my child was more sensitive to noise and light than the other children around him.
Parenting
My Children Were Born in the Wrong Era
I don’t think I was born in the right era: I wish I’d had my kids in the 1990s or 2000s. Actually, I wish I’d had my kids back in my parents’ day. Why?
Parenting
My children, thank you for protecting me
My dear children, I’m sorry you have to go through this. This world has turned our lives upside down over the past few months. Yes, it’s new to me, too.
Parenting
My dad is the strongest
Ever since I was born, I’ve loved you as big as the sky, my dear father. When I was little, I used to listen to music with you.
Parenting
My daughter isn't a Barbie
When I was a child, I was absolutely EVERYTHING that fits the stereotype of a girl.
Parenting
My daughter, you’re not the same anymore
My little baby, my little princess. Ever since you were born, I’ve been doting on you and protecting you from the dangers of the outside world.
Parenting
My dear breasts
I feel the weight of the inevitable bearing down on me; soon, surely, you will leave me. The feedings are becoming less frequent, and my baby is growing.
Parenting
My Experience with Psychoeducation
I often hear parents of children with multiple mental health conditions complain about the lack of resources in public schools.
Parenting
My kids
A lot of people thrive on adrenaline, thrills, and those rushes that make you feel alive.
Parenting
My little guy, my little chick
You took up residence in my belly very early on; some would say way too early. Just as I was turning 17, you showed up.
Parenting
My Long Story of Postpartum Anxiety…
Apparently, 10 to 15% of women experience a condition called postpartum anxiety after giving birth… Thanks to hormonal changes that throw our emotions into
Parenting
My love handle on vacation
I don’t really like wearing a swimsuit in front of other people. I’ve had four kids, I have stretch marks, and I’ve got a nice little roll of fat!
Parenting
My New Reality
As I write this, I’m in my first week as a single mom. My first week of shared custody.
Parenting
My Parents Have Become Grandparents
What are grandparents? Just a title we give to people when their “grown-up babies” have babies of their own? People who give gifts?
Parenting
My precious children
You give meaning to my life. When I find myself alone, I miss you. It’s as if a piece of me is missing. The distance between us makes me anxious.
Parenting
My relationship with my mother-in-law isn't…
I’ll start this post by saying that I really love my mother-in-law. She’s a woman I greatly admire—someone who has taken care of her family her whole life
Parenting
My separation was the worst and the best…
Five years ago, reality hit me like a ton of bricks: I was no longer in love with the father of my children.
Parenting
My Social Media "Front"
In our society, there are many taboo topics. Over the years, certain causes have come a long way in raising public awareness.
Parenting
My Spring Break Savings
Since I wasn’t able to take time off work during the holidays, I found myself with the option of taking spring break as vacation.
Parenting
My uterus, my choice!
When I got pregnant for the first time, everyone was thrilled. People didn’t really ask if it was planned or what I was going to do.
Parenting
My wonderful teens...
But somewhere around age 11 or 12, somewhere between changing body shapes and the appearance of pimples, people’s attitudes shift.
Parenting
My world came crashing down… twice!
When I was little, I had this desire, this ambition to become a mother.
Parenting
National monuments?
During my first pregnancy, I spent a long time wondering what would drive me the craziest. Would it be everyone’s “auntie advice”?
Parenting
No “Single Parenting” This Week
Yeah! Dad’s back home—I’ll finally get some help taking care of the kids, catch up on sleep, split the household chores, and maybe even have some time to m
Parenting
Now it’s time to say goodbye
I met you, and we fell in love. Now it’s time to part ways. Unfortunately, our story as a couple ends here.
Parenting
Ode to My Grandfather
Most little girls look up to their fathers, and that’s perfectly normal. For me, it’s my grandfather.
Parenting
On Earth Day
As a parent, you’re often faced with a whirlwind of birthday gifts, one-time-use lunch portions, and clothes that come and go from the house as our kids gr
Parenting
One in 240
My baby. I’m sorry. After 17 weeks of pregnancy, I’m writing to you for the first time, and it’s not even to tell you how much your presence inside me fill
Parenting
One too many doubts.
Isn’t living with doubt just part of almost everyone’s life? We doubt all the time.
Parenting
Our Bond, My Big Boys
Ever since the day I decided to have children, I knew I would fall in love with this new part of myself. I knew I was deeply meant to be a mom.
Parenting
Our Four-Legged Babies
In life, very often, before having a baby, we adopt a cat or a dog… Sometimes a goldfish, but it’s less likely to live 12 years and is much less entertaini
Parenting
Our Life Before
Do you realize just how much we took for granted right before the current crisis?
Parenting
Our Men
Father’s Day is coming up soon, and I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the two fathers in my life: my dad and my son’s dad.
Parenting
Packing lunches: an Olympic sport?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve never made myself a lunch five days in a row. I lack discipline, but mostly interest!
Parenting
Planning for the Holidays After a Recent…
With the separation still painful, we have to plan our first holiday schedule.
Parenting
Politeness 2.0
When I was 6 years old, with a gap-toothed smile and eyes full of questions, I learned how to navigate society; I understood that there are social rules—wr
Parenting
Potty training... Fun?! Nah!
Getting your kid potty-trained! Oh boy! Let’s be honest… it’s not my favorite part of parenting!
Parenting
Pressure to Stay Clean
I really felt the pressure when my oldest son’s teacher told me he’d have to be potty-trained within two weeks because he was switching groups, and in that
Parenting
Professional Photo Shoots
Before I had kids, I don’t think I’d ever set foot in a photography studio in my life (with the exception of my elementary school photos, which were taken
Parenting
Random Complaints
It happens fairly often that I’m alone with my two boys—ages 4 and 6 months—when we go out, including to that dreaded grocery store… Lately, I’ve run into
Parenting
Reaching New Heights
In the first few months of our children’s lives, we watch them grow and develop.
Parenting
Rediscovering the Magic
I’m moderately anxious. My daughters are also anxious (one more so than the other).
Parenting
Respect for Single Parents
I came up with the idea for this post while I was taking a shower and my 3-year-old daughter was yelling at me to come play with her for the 29th time.
Parenting
Rest is when
I remember back in high school that famous saying, “Chill out, man !" Now that I'm 32, all I want to do is CHILL OUT.
Parenting
Same, Yet Different
I have a child with special needs—a child who requires special attention and who asks us, as a family, to make special compromises.
Parenting
Second Baby, We Need to Talk
Hi, my second baby! (And to any others out there—you never know.) I need to talk to you.
Parenting
Seeing the Bright Side of the Terrible Twos
I've heard so much about the famous terrible twos I was afraid of that. I wasn't looking forward to my daughter turning 2.
Parenting
Sex from the Perspectives of Both Genders
I’m writing this anonymously because, since my parents and in-laws probably read my posts on Maman Caféine, I’d feel a little awkward having to explain the
Parenting
Should we have another child?
When my partner and I started trying for a baby, we’d always said we wanted two kids in total. No more, no less!
Parenting
Sick Baby, Worried Mom
I’m worried. More than worried. Because my baby is sick. She has a fever and other symptoms. But nothing I recognize.
Parenting
Single Mom: The Joy of Dating Sites
You’ve just gone through a breakup. It’s not an easy time. You have to come to terms with the loss of the perfect little family you’d dreamed of.
Parenting
Small Becomes Big
“With her schoolbag in hand, she leaves home early in the morning Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile”* The day I found out you were nestled in my w
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So what do we do now?
We can rage all we want against the father and stepmother of this little girl from Granby whose name we don’t know, but the fact remains that it’s the same
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So, when are you guys going to have kids??
I remember, about a dozen years ago now, that time when I didn’t have any kids. Even back then, everyone knew I had only one dream: to be a mom.
Parenting
Social Pressure Regarding Potty Training
“How come he’s not potty-trained at his age?” “How come your son is still in diapers?” “It’s about time he started using the toilet!” I’ve heard thousands
Parenting
Spoiling Him with Too Much Love
I’ve been criticized before for showing too much affection, for spoiling my son too much—and that’s why he acts out, and that it has nothing to do with aut
Parenting
Stay hopeful, girl
I’ve heard that phrase so many times. Too many times. It’s the same kind of encouragement you give a child who didn’t win the race: “It’s all about taking
Parenting
Stay the course!
Always stay focused. Stay in control of our lives and the routine that comes with them.
Parenting
Stop posting photos of your sick children
I'll never understand that. I'm really the kind of person who believes in "live and let live." Okay, your food.
Parenting
Sundays from My Childhood
Every Sunday, it was the same routine: I’d see Grandpa and Grandma coming to pick me up to go to the 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Thomas Church.
Parenting
System D
There are moms out there who are the type to rush over and kiss the boo-boo of their child who just fell… well, I’m not that kind of mom!
Parenting
Take a deep breath, Mom!
You jumped headfirst into motherhood with a preconceived idea of the kind of mom you were going to be.
Parenting
Take Two: A New Chapter
When your baby is born, it’s without a doubt the best day of your life. The start of a new chapter.