MOM

If you've watched Ryan Lochte's reality show on E!, you know that he and his mom, Ike, are really close. Seeing them together shows us a whole new side to the Olympic ladies man.

Sure, you would like to think that you're a grown, independent adult ... but we're here to tell you the hard truth: your mom still influences who you date.

Long before she played Sarah Braverman on 'Parenthood', Lauren Graham was the TV single mom you most wanted as your own.

With my first daughter, I was certain I would treasure each and every memory forever. Four years later, I'm having trouble keeping track of those same special moments with my other two children. But if there's one thing I've learned as a mom of three, it's that I need to let go of the guilt and focus on what really matters.

Mother's Day is a time to honor the relationship you have with your mother. But, what if she's no longer around? An expert offers her tips to help you get through the day.

Mindless consumerism can lead us to believe our value lies in what we wear. I wanted my daughter to have the freedom to divorce her self-worth from her clothing. But how could I teach her that when here I was — 29-years-old, wallowing in a pile of cheap cotton-poly blends and feeling worthless? It was time to go on a clothing fast. I called it "No Pants 2012."

For my daughter, who's obsessed with hearts and flowers and the idea of love, Valentines Day is a pretty big deal. As she finds her way through puppy love and first crushes, I find I'm learning right along with her.

Three kids later, I still see beauty when I look in the mirror. I don't see just a body. Sure, I see crow's feet snaking out from my eyes when I smile; I see a mass of curly hair. But mostly, I see a person: my husband's wife, my children's mother, my students' teacher...

From attachment parenting to mommy porn to the latest in gender reveals, here's a look at some of the parenting trends that caught our interest and got us talking over the past year.

By GoodNCrazy, Carissa Rogers, for GalTime.com the benefits of mother-daughter gaming  

A very attractive single mom recently told me this story: She had met a man and felt sure he was the man of her dreams. There was a synchronicity about their meeting she could not ignore; the chemistry was electric and the sex, she said, was the best she had ever had—in her life, I might add. It had to be love, she gushed!

When you're married with children, it's easy to lose your sense of self. After all, you're so busy playing wife to your husband and mom to your kids, it's hard to remember your own identity. But, if you think the solution is to end your marriage, know that you have other options.

When you're "Yes"-ing your kid to death on your way to drop him off at school because he's going on and on about some stupid dinosaur he saw on TV that sang this song and wore this hat and met this friend, you may be wondering if you're a bad mom. You are, but it's totally OK.

If you are a stay-at-home mom who sometimes feels like you're about to crash and burn, you are not alone. Being a stay-at-home mother is a stressful job and science has proven it.

You can save your sanity and long-term health by balancing your life so that you can enjoy it and be there for the ones you love.

Calling all mom and dad bloggers and writers! We are looking for a new LoveMom contributor to write about the intersection of love and kids.