essay

What to do when your child is diagnosed with autism—from a mother who’s been there, too

After both of her sons were diagnosed with ASD, Tracey Hawkins' world was upended. Then she righted it.

10 true things about the first year of motherhood

Sure, there’s a lot of parenting books out there–but here’s 10 things you really need to know about that first year.

Two weeks with 2 kids: 8 things I’ve learned about having a second child

4. Exhaustion is real.

Mothers are burned out because they carry an entire broken society on their backs

More than ever before, mothers are being asked to do the labor of an entire community—without any load being lightened.

Missing your September child tax credit payment? You’re not alone​

Plus everything else parents need to know about the 2021 Child Tax Credit, explained.

Dear mama, first-trimester fatigue is like nothing you’ve known before

If it feels like you don't have much else to give right now, it's because you don't.

I was pregnant on 9/11. 20 years later, here’s how I found hope after that day

I wore yellow on that fateful day, and wearing it years later reminds me that hope is the guide we have in a storm.

Dear September 11 babies: Your birth was a bright spot in a dark time

A message to babies born on and around September 11, 2001.

To the burned-out working mom: I see you

Sometimes it feels like "leaning in" means overload. But mama, we've got this.

As an Afghan interpreter, I sought refuge in the US. Family is everything to me—and I’m desperate to save mine

In this personal essay, an Afghan man living in the US shares his plight as his family flees Afghanistan.

The life-changing benefits of doing ‘nothing’ with your children

Notice how easily smiles and laughter will follow.

Homeschooling turned out to be my self-care

For this single mom and her son, homeschooling solved issues they didn't even know were there.

To the mama happy about sending her kids back to school—I’m with you

For me, the end of summer isn't the end of the party—it's the beginning.

This mama reminds us that becoming a mother is the birth of a human AND a new woman

"You go from the highest your hormones will ever be in your life to the lowest all in one swift moment."

This mama is going viral for honoring her postpartum body and we are here for it

"This picture isn't about feeling amazing in my body. It's a moment where I honored what my body DID for me vs. how it LOOKED for me."

This tweet about the societal pressure on women is going viral because it’s SO true

Let's agree to stop judging ourselves against unfair standards.

What they don’t tell you about the newborn phase

"You hear about the rough late nights and early mornings, but you don't hear about how much you'll crave that intoxicating newborn scent after it's gone."

Why I can’t say I’m done having kids

My husband and I both feel like our family's complete. But I feel guilty when I say that out loud.

This mama is going viral for perfectly describing the highs + lows of motherhood

"One minute I feel productive & like super mom and the next I feel like I'm failing at it all."

I started working part-time (and I love it)

I'm so glad that for right now, I'm exactly where I need and want to be: part-time at Motherly, and, as always, a full-time mother.