by Kate Wicker
Not too long ago, I wrote an article for my parish newsletter about why we must offer encouragement -- not sideways glances -- to parents who bring their young children to Mass. Overall, the response was positive, but one reader sent me a letter suggesting I leave my kids at home so I could "more fully receive Christ." It was charitable enough, but the point was clear: Children are sweet, but they don't belong in church.

Rating: 5.0/5

My girls are glad to wear dresses (although 4-year-old Madeline often prefers T-shirts and jeans). They say "please" and "thank you" (or in Rae's case "peas" and "tank cue"). They love tea parties and think fairies are magical. They'd spend all day in the kitchen baking if I'd let them, and they don't mind having bows in their hair.

Rating: 5.0/5

It's still dark outside. I've just nursed the baby and I should be in bed, trying to squeeze in a few more minutes of sleep before my older children wake me up. Instead I sneak into my bathroom and step on the scale with trepidation.

Rating: 5.0/5