The word that keeps me grounded as I raise my three children.

I've come around to the French (though not exclusively French) idea that a slower, less stressful pace of family life isn't just more relaxing for grown-ups. It's also good for kids.

What the PBS drama can teach us about unconditional love, loyalty and reinvention.

As far as parenting journeys go, mine is still in its toddler stages, literally and metaphorically -- three years and counting. However, even in three short years of imperfect parenting, these 10 truths keep coming back to me.

If we use punishment, this is the kind of communication our children will get used to, and, in turn, learn. Punishment sets an example of fear, aggression and pay back.

Though Valentine's Day may conjure up images of commercial hysteria and sugar overload, it can be a fun excuse to plan a date with your husband, boyfriend or partner. Why not save yourself the disappointment of yet another Hallmark card and take the reins?

HuffPost Parents is starting a club. If you are a mom or dad who feels stressed out, we want you to join because we are going to find some peace toget...

When you are more mindful yourself, you will be a better person, spouse and parent. Lastly, your family will be less stressed, more harmonious and more fully engaged in being a family.

I think we need to take the time to do much more explaining to our children about why we do things for others. That is what plants the early seeds of service.

If you find yourself frantically scrolling through the "quick and easy" sections of your favorite cooking sites every afternoon trying to figure out how you're going to feed your family a healthy dinner -- that they'll actually eat -- you're not alone.

When my first son turned 6 years old, a new era began in our family. We were ushered quickly into the wonderful world of YMCA soccer. When you graduate from Gerber baby food to the fresh-cut grass pitch of the local Y soccer league, you're in for a treat.

Judge me all you want about my junior high giggle reflex, but there is something very sweet about my girls (three daughters) being able to tease me about boy stuff.

Verbal conversations remain a part of our lives, even if they're a smaller part than they used to be. I am sad for my sons that they will never have this kind of interaction. But I know they won't miss something they never had. Only I will.

While it's encouraging to see so many community leaders taking the issue of childhood obesity to heart, ultimately, this is a parent's responsibility. If you want your children to be healthy and fit, you need to set boundaries and be the best role model you can.

You've heard the joke that babies don't come with manuals, right?

Many of us hold the belief that if we don't take a stand and tell our children how to properly behave in the moment our children will turn into bad people or delinquent adults. This just isn't true.

Far from being the finger-wagging, "you have to be a doctor or a lawyer" kind of parent, there are times when I struggle with the possibility that my kids will want to act on the stage, create art or [insert "starving" profession here] as a way of life.

"No." It's a little word with a lot of influence, especially for parents. Maybe it's because of what happens after we say the word "no" (you know, the screaming and tantrum-throwing) that we skirt around it, try to disguise it and sometimes just don't say it all.

Instead of being bossy, feel the vulnerability you seek to avoid by complaining and controlling. Give yourself a hug. Give your kid a hug. Shut the f**k up! Your kid doesn't need fixing.