Care and Feeding: How can I give my stepson the maternal love he deserves?

Advice columnist Nicole Cliffe : "I go through the motions of what I know a parent is supposed to provide her child" "What's wrong with me? How can I give my stepson the unconditional maternal love that he deserves and needs?" "What can I even do at this point to minimize the damage I’m doing to the poor kid?".

A girl shouldn’t be guilted into or forced into letting anyone touch her, including parents for a bedtime kiss.

Your husband thinks it’s just as valid for him to state his own feelings, just as we ask them to do when they have a conflict.

A trend in elementary schools where teachers let kids choose which greeting they want: a hug, a wave, or a high-five.

If you don't trust other parents to have your child's best interests at heart, don't let them play there.

Would I feel differently if your child had an allergy or diabetes or some other medical condition? I would. But this is an individual parenting call, and those grind to a halt at someone else’s house.