Motherly

Nora McInerny on how her blended family expanded her understanding of motherhood

Why I don’t mind if my daughter asks hard questions

I grew up wondering many things but was hushed quickly. My parents would try to nurture what they could but the school I attended and the society we STILL live in doesn't like children asking hard questions. They aren't supposed to have hard questions, especially little girls, who seem to have extra layers of nonsense to contend with when they give voice to deep thoughts.

It’s science: ‘Girls weekends’ boost mental health

You might need a momcation, mama.

What the Child Care for Working Families Act could mean for your family

It could save families thousands of dollars a year.

You’re not imagining it: Mothers are sleep deprived for the first 6 years of parenthood

It's okay to be tired, mama.

World’s smallest newborn boy goes home after 5 months in the NICU

Look at that smile.

Writer Nora McInerney says her kids aren’t step-siblings—they’re just siblings

"I took the lead from the big kids because really right away without being asked, they called Ralph their little brother," McInerney shares in the newest episode of Motherly's podcast.

When should you bring your child to the eye doctor?

Experts say 80% of what a child learns in school is information that is presented visually so it's essential to catch vision issues early to ensure a child's success in the classroom and beyond.

Co-parenting with an addict means I am basically raising my son alone

As his former spouse, I know that deep down in there somewhere is a man who wants to do well in the world. Someone who wants to be reconnected to his son, who yearns to prove to the world that he's capable. But as a mom, I put up giant barriers and protectors.

10 fun + creative ways to help kids love reading

An appreciation for reading doesn't just happen. It needs to be nurtured and encouraged until a child develops an intrinsic desire to read and the self-confidence to pick up a book on their own.

34 Montessori-inspired books for newborns to 6-year-olds

Montessori bookshelves for young children focus on nature, messages of peace and diversity, and things going on in a child's world like life in a city, the changing seasons and family life.

Mama, my best advice for you? Let people help

What if we all admitted that motherhood can be so, so hard sometimes? What if, after we did that, then we asked for help from the people we love? Or what if we just took it when it was offered to us? Without fear or guilt or inadequacy or feeling like we owe them or beating ourselves up over it?

I miss family who live far away—so FaceTime makes a huge difference

It's become a familiar part of their bedtime routine. They FaceTime their grandparents during bathtime or before book negotiations and they get to recount their day or say goodnight with virtual kisses and hugs.

It’s science: These are the best kinds of books to read to infants

"When parents label people or characters with names, infants learn quite a bit," says Lisa Scott, co-author of the study.

Dear stranger: Yes, my hands are full…

Even though you don't quite know the right thing to say, I'm going to believe that you want to say the right thing. You really want to tell me that I'm an excellent mother and that I'm doing a good job but you don't know how to say that exactly.

This video made for a mama on her first day back from maternity leave is 😂 ♥️

Here's to supportive partners + super parents!

The mental load of motherhood doesn’t go away when you’re the breadwinner

86% of working moms say they handle all family and household responsibilities.

I need something totally different from my friends now that I’m a mom

Not someone who is just like me, but one who models who I hope to be.

These viral photos from a UK ad campaign celebrate postpartum bodies–and we’re here for it

Advertisers have discovered the power of reflecting our reality back to us.

Another Gerber baby makes history!

Meet Kairi Yang.