Motherly

This is: The transition back to work after maternity leave

While it can feel a whole lot like jumping into the deep end and having no choice but to swim, you aren't in this alone. And you don't have to feel unprepared.

How to celebrate holiday birthdays and make them feel extra special

1. Details matter

Grandma + grandpa: Go ahead, spoil my kids this Christmas

When my kids receive a gift from their grandparent, it's the grandparents I watch, not my kids. When the presents produce squeals from the kids' mouths, I can't escape the glint in my parents' eyes. Who am I to stop that?

This is my vow to you, my love—I promise to always be in it with you

Out of all this world, you have been chosen for me. Out of all the hustle, the daily tasks, the long nights, full days, teething toddlers, burned meals, impatient words and life's concerns, I still choose you.

Male birth control is on the way 👏

A birth control gel for guys is entering phase two of clinical trials.

Michelle Obama has some advice for Meghan Markle (and all of us)

It's okay to slow down, mama.

Beverley Mitchell says Jessica Biel was one of the first people she told about her twin miscarriage

"No one should suffer in silence."

The best holiday gift for your kid that’s actually for you

Well Rounded's weekly links are here!

I tell my kids it’s okay to fail—so I need to start telling myself, too

Maybe if we actually believed the things we say, the entire structures of our lives, vocations, and relationships would feel less tenuous. We'd believe that even if they got knocked down, we could put them back up just the same as before but with the weaker areas reinforced, stronger in the long run.

I plan on doing *this* to help me find myself again

5. Make some mom friends.

You know your baby better than Google, mama

My daughter's failure to acquiesce to so-called expert advice heralded the beginning of a new way of living, for both of us. One that strives to work with her needs, rather than struggle against them.

My best friend and I decided to move in together and co-parent our children

Our arrangement goes beyond that of roommates. We're genuinely leaning on each other; when one of us has more capacity than the other, she tags in.

How to give up yelling and overcome your anger, mama

Anger is often the mask that sadness hides behind.

We celebrate Hanukkah *and* Christmas—in our own way

As a new blended family, I realize we make our own traditions up as we go along.

Being a single mom over the holidays can be lonely—but there’s still so much joy

But our lives are full of love, happiness and health.

These are the highest rated toys + gifts under $50 from Target

Discover the best toys and gifts for kids under $50 at Target. Perfect picks for parents looking for great value and fun!

Childcare costs more than college in some states—and that needs to change

Exorbitant childcare costs are a burden on a generation already struggling.

Motherhood is: Forgetting to move the Elf on the Shelf

I'm sorry for the time I left you in the refrigerator for 48 hours.

Steph Curry responds to 9-year-old’s letter asking why his shoes aren’t made for girls

Discover how Steph Curry addresses a 9-year-old's question about girl-friendly shoes in a touching exchange.

Doing.all.the.things.