essays

How to deal with a toddler tantrum on a plane

In the short term, I wanted the embarrassment and shame to stop for me. However, in the long run, I want my child to grow up using her voice and embracing all of her feelings, not repressing them.

I wasn’t prepared for my kids’ flu days this year

I felt pulled in every direction.

I wasn’t prepared for the loneliness of empty nesting

I was surprised to be surprised by the emotional and physical pain of this transition.

To the mama uncertain about navigating the teenage years with her daughter

We’re sailing in uncharted waters, and much of the time, these hormone-ridden waters feel anything but serene.

I became a first-time mother at 46 after a lifetime of being told I couldn’t have kids

It’s the miracle of my story, and the unlikelihood of my family, that stands out.

How to let your teenager make mistakes

The key is to make the shift from your instinctive desire to protect or rescue your teenager, to the long term goal of their personal development.

Christmas magic is still important no matter how old your kids are

As parents, we are the keeper of childhood memories.

There’s a potential bill to ban children from social media, and as a mother, I’m all for it

Childhood without social media looks like childhood.

My New Year’s home resolution? To stop stressing about cleaning before having people over

I am choosing to stray away from the ailing need for perfection that often plagues me—and many other moms.

To the mama in the hospital this holiday season

I am sending you love as you unwrap medical diagnoses instead of gifts.

I’m a nonbinary mom. This is what I want people to know

While I may not feel comfortable wearing the label of “woman”, I possess no greater title than “mother".

The Marshall Fire forever changed the way I parent

Blindsided by the effects of a natural disaster, my son walked away with an unshakeable fear of the unknown—and I’ve spent months working with therapists on how to help him feel safe in this world again.

Holidays are a recipe for tears and tantrums—here’s 4 ways to minimize the crash and burn

“If you can develop a sense of the patterns that are more likely to trigger tantrums for your child, you can play a little defense!"

8 things not to say to a formula-feeding mom—and 4 things you can

Being a formula-feeding mom is challenging in a society that heavily promotes, and sometimes even glamorizes, the breastfeeding journey.

My 11-year-old still sleeps with me—I love it, but my husband hates it

I’m sure that some day she will grow out of it, but I hope it isn’t soon.

Sorry, but I don’t miss the birthday party insanity from my kids’ early childhood

I paid my dues, and I’m glad my time is over.

It’s OK to feel different about the holidays

With a little attention to your emotional experience of majority-culture holidays, you can model for your kids and family how to navigate our multicultural world in a way that adapts and celebrates and is meaningful to you.

Moms, don’t let another Christmas pass without YOU in the photos

Because what a gift for them to be able to see mom in their memories.

6 things I wish I’d known when my child was diagnosed with autism

I only wish someone could have told me that we would find our place, we would be supported and my child would thrive.

I became a single mom the same month I gave birth. Here’s what I want others to know

You're not alone.