Kids on Shine

Advice From Real Moms: How a five-year-old taught her mom to chill.

nospam@example.com ()

I watch my daughter sitting, smiling, in the middle of a merry-go-round. She throws her head back and squeals, "Faster, Mommy. Faster!" I'm dying to say, "Oh, but you'll get dizzy and feel sick!" Instead, I grin over my clenched teeth and say, "OK! Is this fast enough?" and give her another spin.

Five activities inspired by Hanukkah

nospam@example.com ()

The Festival of Lights is a time rich with meaning, celebrating the miracle of one night's worth of oil lasting for eight nights. Even more, Hanukkah celebrates victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of a temple that had been desecrated. Those are big stories. Sometimes, though, the ideas in the stories might be a little too big for the youngest ones, and what the kids remember are the eight nights of presents, the latkes and the sufganiyot (delicious jelly doughnuts!), and the chocolate coin winnings. We have many Hanukkah-inspired activities to help you engage your kids and capture their attention, help them focus on the bigger ideas behind the fun. Here are some of our favorites:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

nospam@example.com ()

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY YOU ALL GIVE THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE AND FOR ALL THE BLESSING YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS YEAR. HAVE A VERY HAPPY TURKEY DAY. =]

Drunk Man Joy Rides with 7-Year-Old on Car Roof

nospam@example.com ()

Drunk Man Joy Rides with 7-Year-Old on Car Roof

Who says babysitting is hard? Robert Wayne Christgau of Austin has it down to two simple steps.

1. Get drunk 2.…

Last minute tips for traveling by air with young kids!

nospam@example.com ()

Getting ready for a flight later today with kid too young to be interested in videos or music? These last minute tips can help. Have some good tips of your own? Please help your fellow Shine users by posting them below—we can all benefit from your wisdom. Have great holiday,…

Thanksgiving: Are You Naughty Or Nice?

nospam@example.com ()

When you lament about tucking away your second helping of mashed potatoes, you are teaching your daughters a big lesson -- though not a good one.

Getty Images

Lisa…

It has been a rough year....

nospam@example.com ()

Why do I meet men that want to play "family man" just because it is holiday time... what about 365... making elaborate plans, buying tickets, and taking off work during this season and then all of a sudden remember that you have kids.. using Thanksgiving and…

Moms to Blame for Most Family Squabbles

nospam@example.com ()

This new study has us fighting mad.

Getty Images

We hate to argue with a "science," but when it's reported that moms…

What's the worst thing your kid has done in a restaurant?

nospam@example.com ()

I remember the first time I took my son LBZ to a restaurant. He was 3 months old and I was out of my skull with worry. What if he howled like a banshee? What if I couldn't make him stop? What if other people snarled and shot us get-away-from-my-Sunday looks? I wasn't so far from my…

Snapshots of 2009: Growing Up Too Fast

nospam@example.com ()

All this week and next, we'll be revisiting our favorite family photos and memories of 2009. Here is our first entry. This photo of my daughter Ramona captures a wistful but joyous moment this past October at a local farm outside of Portland, Oregon. This snapshot memorializes her two front teeth, which she yanked out herself the following week. (As you can see, they're barely hanging on in the picture!)