ArcaMax

Q: My child comes home from her other parent's house with stories that sound absolutely ridiculous. I don't want to dismiss what she tells me, but I also don't know what's true, what's exaggerated and what might be made-up. How am I supposed to sort through that without overreacting? What's good ex-etiquette here?

A: When children live in two ...Read more

I was puzzled when the husband announced he was going to burp the house. I asked if he thought it would need a diaper change, too.

“You know, burp the house,” he said with an air of disbelief.

I didn’t know. I couldn’t get my head around patting a two-story house on the back.

He said burping a house is based on the German practice of ...Read more

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Both chambers of the California Legislature voted Monday to send a $90 million grant package for women’s health clinics to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, moving quickly to shore up the state’s reproductive health programs against cuts pushed by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Assembly and Senate Democrats ...Read more

"Bad Baby" is the first book of a thrilling new series by author Stephen Martin. It opens when the brothers John and Merlin Cooper were in their teens living in a farm in Florida when they receive the news about their father’s death. This happened in the year 2001, specifically, that other day that will leave in infamy for Americans. However, ...Read more

Brandon M. Rogers’ debut novel, "The Safe Place," follows Tristan, a man whose polished life hides secrets, unresolved grief and a lie that began when he was 6. The story begins in New York City, with Tristan newly married to Jocelyn and already slipping back into old patterns — long nights, pills, avoidance. A medical crisis lands him in a ...Read more

While preparing her four sons to take a dream family vacation in the Caribbean last month, Carolyn Piro carefully reviewed every detail to get them ready.

She also contacted the Royal Caribbean cruise line about accommodations for her children, because her oldest, Sean Curran, has autism, and two other sons also have developmental disabilities....Read more

'PILLION'

No MPA rating

What it’s about: A young man finds himself in the thrall of a mysterious biker as they enter into a dominant/submissive relationship.

The kid attractor factor: This is a very mature and sexually explicit drama — not for kids and not much appeal for them.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Lessons in self-exploration can be...Read more

Q. My recent breakup was a big one. I spend most of my time trying not to let the kids see how broken-up I am that their mother left. Valentine's Day is right around the corner and they're buzzing about it. The teacher is bringing in special treats, they're talking about exchanging cards, and the house feels full of electricity. I'm doing my ...Read more

It’s a game of hide and seek a lot of women play. You hide the last bite of something delectable for yourself, not because you’re selfish, but because you are a visionary.

Based on personal history and past performance, you know with certainty that soon, maybe in the next week, day or next five seconds, you may feel depleted, exhausted and ...Read more

A spirited memoir that proves you can redefine yourself at any age, Jeffrey Weiss’s "Racing Against Time: On Ironman, Ultramarathons and the Quest for Transformation in Mid-Life" takes readers on an empowering ride.

Weiss is nearly eleven hours into an ultramarathon, his legs cramping as he fights to keep moving. This visceral opening throws ...Read more

In "Crazy: Reclaiming Life from the Shadow of Traumatic Memory," author Lyn Barrett shatters misconceptions by offering a deeply personal, first-hand account of living with DID and healing from the trauma that caused it. This award-winning memoir invites readers into Barrett’s world, demystifying a disorder too often sensationalized and ...Read more

Freida McFadden’s latest psychological thriller is fiendishly clever and gripping in its narrative, revolving around Debbie Mullen and her family. Debbie is an advice columnist for the local newspaper, where she regularly offers advice for stressed wives and mothers. She may need some advice on her domestic situation, as her home is filled ...Read more

COLUMBIA, S.C. — An anti-abortion group founder and activist has asked a judge to dismiss charges connected to a shooting at a Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic last November, according to court documents.

On Jan. 12, attorneys for Mark Baumgartner filed a motion to dismiss charges against their client based on South Carolina’s “Stand ...Read more

'SEND HELP'

Rated R for strong/bloody violence and language.

What it’s about: A gonzo survivalist horror comedy from Sam Raimi sees a mousy corporate cog stranded on an island with her boss, where the power dynamic instantly flips.

The kid attractor factor: This is not for kids. Too bloody and violent.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Be careful ...Read more

MINNEAPOLIS — Many families with children who could be directly affected by Immigration Customs Enforcement operations have been talking about the subject for weeks. Families who have not been impacted may not have discussed the subject, or know what to say. But all children have questions.

Katie Lingras, a child psychologist at the ...Read more

Q: Should I give my ex a valentine to entice him back?

A: When you ask this question, you're not really asking about a card. You're asking whether it's OK to reopen a door that has already been closed, and whether doing so will make you feel more at ease, more connected or less alone.

It's doubtful, at least not in the long run.

Valentine's ...Read more