essays

The silver lining to raising children without grandparents

There are certainly times we feel an acute sense of absence, but what I have begun to realize are actually the unique benefits of our position.

Feeling divided between multiple kids? Here’s how yoga helped unite my family

I now feel like I can fully focus on whichever child I’m with, and I can even keep my mom guilt for missing the other one (mostly) at bay.

School shootings will not be solved by identification forms and DNA kits

We have to stop focusing on what to do after the fact and prevent these tragedies now.

Nervous about your kid’s first sleepover, mama? A therapist shares 4 tips for easing your anxiety

"It's one of the most challenging times to be a parent right now, and the need to feel like we can keep our children safe is stronger than ever."

My family is celebrating Christmas in November this year

This is one of many boundary lines we’ve drawn with family during the holidays. 

I’m a preemie mom—5 things I wish I knew before my shocking delivery

My delivery taught me the first and potentially most crucial lesson of parenting: expect the unexpected.

We’re going to have a messy house this holiday season–and I’m not sorry about it

I only get this season, with my children at this stage of life, once.

My daughter has Down syndrome, and her siblings are better for it

One of the pervasive myths surrounding having a child with Down syndrome is that she will be a burden on the rest of the family.

I’m a military wife and my husband works long hours away from home—here’s how we manage

While working and financially providing for our family is a huge priority, raising our chil in a healthy, caring and affectionate environment is even more important. 

I want my kids to fail

I hope that they learn that stumbles are an important part of life.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’ is all of us right now

Taylor Swift’s music is who we are and who we were, who want to be and who we wish we could be.

Here’s how to help your introverted child make friends at school

In a world that invariably encourages and appreciates extroversion, being an introvert can be hard. As a child, this may be even harder.

TikTok videos asking for kid-free flights don’t help anyone

Feeling stressed when there is a baby crying on an airplane is normal. How you react to those feelings is what matters.

I travel internationally with my kids because it provides lifelong benefits 

It doesn’t matter whether our kids remember or appreciate these travel adventures.

This is the ‘invisibility of motherhood’—and it starts long before actually having kids

Ask any number of mothers their thoughts on motherhood, and many of them will tell you the same thing: I feel invisible since becoming a mom. I just want to be seen and heard.

Why I give my kids mental health days

They can teach your kids to value the mental health breaks we all need—and make wonderful memories along the way.

Cooking for Thanksgiving is overwhelming and it’s OK to just… not do it

This year, I’d rather just indulge in a non-traditional, laid back celebration while still making it meaningful and magical for my family. 

How I told my toddler about my miscarriage and memorialized the loss together

If you told your child about your pregnancy, they knew you had babies in your tummy or you’re visibly sad, you may consider telling them about your pregnancy loss. 

How to incorporate joy into your child’s daily routine

The willingness to approach your child’s needs in a way that allows them to grow and thrive can make most mundane days start and end with a smile.  

I was proud of my multitasking—until I realized the damage it was doing to my life

That badge of honor I wore somehow now is replaced by a feeling that my ability to do multiple things at once prevents me from doing any one thing very well.