How to deal with a bad aesthetic environment whilst bringing up a child. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 1, 2008 - 27 answers

What happy memories do you have of being a young child that make you think either "those were good times" or "that was good parenting"? [more inside]
posted by onlyconnect on Aug 12, 2008 - 64 answers

How does an adult start a meaningful dialogue with a pre-teen boy? [more inside]
posted by pornucopia on Jun 19, 2006 - 63 answers

What is the most important thing your father ever taught you, either explicitly or through example? [more inside]
posted by craniac on Jun 18, 2006 - 98 answers

I'm a new dad and I want to create some cool, happy family traditions. What traditions do you most remember and treasure? [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket on Mar 8, 2005 - 49 answers

I was raised by an abusive father. Now in my early 30's I am looking ahead to the future when I may become a father. I am determined not to recreate the family environment I grew up in but know how these things sometimes turn out -- that people determined not to recreate something sometimes wind up doing so in an unforseen manner. I was in therapy for 2 years in my 20's to work on the issues but therapy is not an option now because of money. I have worked hard not to be my father, but part of me is afraid that I will wind up being like him as a parent. (In particular, I worry about being a father to a son because of my history). I am looking for information about the father-son relationship as well as information about how to be a good parent when you have a background like mine. Please offer advice, books, suggestions - anything that can help.
posted by anonymous on Feb 13, 2005 - 16 answers

Life-altering experiences. Can you point to a single experience in your life, as a child, which you can define as having contributed to the person you are today? (+) [more inside]
posted by jeremias on Feb 2, 2005 - 215 answers