essays

The best way to teach kids about diversity and inclusion is through reading

So many books present a homogenous view of the world. I want to elevate those who break through the barrier, and I want my children to look for those stories.

I travel with my daughter to build our bond

This is our chance to get to know each other better, away from the chores and responsibilities of home.

The transition to becoming a mother is so intense—and there’s a name for it

“The process of becoming a mother is a developmental passage where a woman transitions through pre-conception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond.” 

No mother should hear her child call her name as his life is being beaten from his body—ever

“For a mother to know that their child was calling them in their need, and I wasn’t there for him. Do you know how I feel right now?"

5 things I don’t do as a stay-at-home mom

I’m here to say that you don’t have to be perfect.

I became a new mom again—at age 50

I am older than most new moms. But sometimes what we perceive as our weaknesses are actually our greatest strengths.  

I’ll always cherish the simple backyard birthday parties

These kinds of intimate celebrations are what binds us together and creates meaningful, lasting memories and relationships.

Transitioning a nursery to a toddler room is bittersweet—and I wasn’t prepared

It’s a strange privilege to realize you're experiencing something for the last time.

How to talk to your teen about substance use

The short answer is: early, often, accurately and with kindness.

A letter from a Black mother, to her Black son

You may have to prove your worth more than others, but don’t let that ever make you feel unworthy or incompetent.

My infertility made me dread attending baby showers

Because they always meant one thing: being surrounded by excited squeals and endless reminders of the one thing I didn’t have and desperately wanted.

Self-advocacy is crucial when it comes to combatting the Black maternal health crisis

"Overdue: A Pregnancy Guide for Us", the resource we created for Black moms-to-be with the support of Gerber, addresses just that. 

I don’t hide my depression from my kids

I believe I need to let them see all the range of emotions because this is the human experience.

Feeling dismissed by your doctor? Medical gaslighting can be common in women’s health

And it happened to me. Here are the red flags to look out for.

Let this be the year you stop comparing yourself to other moms

“The comparison game sends us down a rabbit hole of delusional worship of others and unrealistic expectations of ourselves."

We need to normalize paternity leave once and for all

Just because moms can do it all doesn't mean they should have to.

It’s time we destigmatize using medical intervention to get pregnant

Though dealing with infertility was an incredibly difficult journey, it still has silver linings.

I’m the mom who won’t let her kids play football—and this is why

Because first and foremost, I’m a mother, and keeping my children safe is my top priority. 

Growing up is hard on kids too

They are justifiably conflicted to be standing with one leg in their childhood and one leg inching beyond.

Motherhood feels different the third time around

Life is possibly the furthest it can be from perfect, but I know it's exactly where I'm supposed to be.