Family

There’s a certain kind of silence that falls over the house when your kids are grown. No more soccer practice. No more school pickups. No more late-night snack runs. But there’s often something else that lingers in that silence: guilt. For many moms, especially those…

In honor of my father, who died in 2020 at the age of 93, I’m opening a conversation about men and boys. My father was typical of his time, showing love for our family by working hard and providing for us. He often did not have much time for his children. We became…

It’s time we said this out loud: living alone does not mean living lonely. In fact, for many of us, this chapter of life is about rediscovering our voice, reclaiming our space, and building connections on our own terms – no apologies, no explanations…

I guess you could say it depends on who you ask. If you ask me, it’s non-negotiable. My pets have always been a deciding factor where I live. As a baby boomer who loves dogs, I won’t live in a place they’re not welcome. But, hey, that’s me. Will your cat or dog decide…

Should you read your parents’ letters? Are their journals and private musings cathartic or potentially devastating? I face this question right now, and it’s a big one. A while back, after moving to Eugene, Oregon this past year, I saw an article by a fellow Sixty writer…

Our numbers are legion – mothers who did the best we could with what we had… and are still carrying the weight of wondering if it was ever enough. So many of us are quietly struggling. With guilt. With strained relationships. With the painful question: Where did I go wrong?

Choosing a grandmother’s name is a special opportunity to express your personality and style. Are you looking for something modern, playful, or completely unexpected? There are many options beyond the traditional “Grandma” or “Nana.” Let’s take a look at some unique…

While grandparenting can be one of the greatest gifts, I reflect on what I wrote before I had grandchildren and agree with Clare Ansberry about “ceding control” to our adult children when they become parents. Since having a grandchild (now five years old), I also want to elaborate…

My impending 39th wedding anniversary jolted me into an introspective state to dissect and learn what keeps long-term couples together. There was a high prediction from the outset that my marriage was likely to fail; after all, we started dating in High School, married…

By the time we reach our 60s, we reflect on what we once hoped for with our family. I hear from women that they would grow older harmoniously with their families. It is encouraging and a blessing when this is the case. But many struggle under the shroud of secrecy…