I have people close to me who ask my advice just as I ask theirs.

Love is not shown by giving your toddler a car. It's better demonstrated by clapping as she bangs on pots or singing to her while she plays with her cheap little bath toys in the tub.

I marvel with distress that in 2015 we are fighting the vaccination wars. It is deeply disturbing that people who should be able to weigh discredited so-called studies instead believe garbage, and so are willing to endanger their children and others. I sincerely hope this madness burns itself out before a lot more people get hurt.

There are some people who do not have a wild past because being wild would make them terribly self-conscious and uncomfortable.

If you think a caregiver has an active substance abuse problem, that person should never be entrusted with your child.

I think it's helpful for kids to know that their parents weren't perfect, that they messed up and learned from their mistakes. So be open about some of your own struggles or express gratitude that your kids are taking advantage of the opportunities they have instead of squandering many of them, the way you did.

I've never gotten a letter where I thought I knew the person. But I have heard from people who think they know the letter writer.