 An old dog, and observant kids
By Starshine Roshell
OK, I admit it. I'm a sucker for a stud on a stallion.
The first time I heard my toddler curse another driver from the backseat, I realized that our kids learn an awful lot through observation. They key word being awful. Whether we're driving aggressively, snacking unhealthily or saying, "No, sorry" to the panhandler outside the market, our progeny are watching. They're listening. They're learning. It's unnerving.
We try to model thoughtful grown-up behavior. We try to embody — or at least convincingly imitate — the people we hope our children will eventually become: Respectful and responsible, courageous and considerate. We're even careful not to gripe (out loud) when our own parents call during dinner, because someday that will be us. We'll be the ones phoning our kids at inopportune times and by god, they'd better answer with smiles on their faces.
But right now we're facing a tough grown-up task that's made all-the-tougher under our kids' searing scrutiny: managing our aging dog's demise.
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 South Coasting: The upside of arguments
By Leslie Dinaberg
Though it pains me to admit it, I've got a mean streak when it comes to arguments. Whether I'm right or wrong, or even arguing about something I don't really care about—I like to win.
So does my husband.
This can lead to some heated discussions, most of which are amusing and some of which are actually our busy parent version of foreplay.
So you can imagine how hot I got when—in yet another scientific example of something I knew instinctually must be true—I came across a University of Michigan study that found that expressing your complaints and frustrations can actually help you live longer.
Did you hear that, honey? Told you so.
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