The term "helicopter parent" describes the sort of parents who always must be intimately involved in the development of their children. This kind of parent seeks to prevent any harm from coming to them by hovering nearby, ready to swoop in at a moment's notice to prevent any failure from befalling their kids. But what happens when parents discover...

Another Mother's Day has come to a close. Since 1914 (when Mother's Day was officially made a national holiday in the United States) the second Sunday in May has become a time when mothers are celebrated. Dozens of other countries also celebrate Mother's Day on the same day, including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and Switzerland, among many others...

Along with brightly colored Easter eggs, rabbits have become associated with Easter. But while giving a bunny as a present to a child on Easter morning may seem like a fun and innocent gift, it often doesn't turn out that way. "Rabbit sales at pet shops generally quadruple right before the Easter holiday." says Lisa Roy of the Animal Rescue League...

From a distance, “disabled” always seemed like an innocuous word.  It was simply an adjective that described a set of physical circumstances.  It’s a word I’ve often used, never aware of its power.  But when a friend used that word to describe someone that I love I had a startling realization.  Up close, “disabled” sounds an awful...

I have lived at least three days' drive from my grandparents and most of my extended family my entire life. Though it didn't surprise my mother, I know it was hard for her when I followed in her footsteps and moved across the continent from her and my dad. The independence that motivated her to move from Virginia to Ontario, Canada, sight unseen,...

Summer can be a great time of year to add a fur-person to your family. The dog owners who seemed a little crazy walking their pets in the dead of winter are now having a great time throwing Frisbees in the in park. Before you head out in search of the perfect puppy, there are a few things to consider. Adding an animal to your household means...

Don't live the life of a mom on your own. Share your challenges with a mentor. "Jack, what should I write this month's column about?", I yelled to my Wii-playing ten-year-old in the next room. "What do you mean?", he asked as he walked into my office, oblivious to the fact that I've been writing a column for about eight years. "Well, each...