essays

Keeping my home clean and organized makes me a better mom—and it saves my sanity, too

My needs in my own home don’t reflect my judgment of how you care for your home. You do you and I’ll do me.

I want to limit screen time—but sometimes it’s the only break I get

As the realities of parenthood set in, tiny bits of screen time have become a saving grace in those desperate times of need.

I felt mom guilt and shame for having a picky eater

My toddler's diet had become a menu of all the things I said I’d never feed my child—until I had my child.

‘The village’ is great, but the ‘parenting safety net’ is better

This isn’t your Mom Squad, nor is it the proverbial "village" that everyone talks about. Though those things are very important too.

A letter to my firstborn before your sibling arrives

We’re stepping out of our old life into a new one. I’m excited to add another to our family, but I'm grieving, too.

First-time mamas reach milestones, too—right alongside their baby

We are growing up together by experiencing the same moments from two very different lenses.

Two words that can radically improve a new mama’s life: Meal Train

While there are tons of things that you can gift to new parents, consider the gift of taking a load off of their shoulders.

4 podcasts I listen to as a Black mom

They are the anchor that keeps me connected to myself—and gives me reassurance that I am not alone on this journey of parent and motherhood.

My introverted child doesn’t need to be ‘fixed’

Why do we think children have to be social to be happy?

Our family does ‘trips instead of gifts’ for the holidays—and it has been life-changing

Trips don't have to be fancy vacations; they can also include outings that are closer to home.

What to do if your child has a ‘difficult’ teacher

Sometimes sticking with the thing that feels really difficult is the best course of action.

Having a Black Ariel shows that representation isn’t just important—it’s attainable

It's a reminder that all we ever have to do is show up as our authentic selves—and believe that the rest will fall into place.

Traveling with extended family is a delightful challenge—here’s how to make it even better

These are the family vacations that stick with you.

“The Little Mermaid” was VERY problematic—here’s hoping Disney’s re-make isn’t sexist

I have hope that Halle Bailey's Ariel is a Disney princess that I would be happy to let my daughter emulate.

Gisele Bündchen’s quotes about it being ‘her turn’ are highlighting a huge societal problem for moms everywhere

Can we just agree that women don’t receive the same support or backing that we so often put out there for men?

Are you a ‘scrunchy mom?’ TikTok’s parenting trend is all the rage

This judgment-free and balanced approach to motherhood is the breath of fresh air we all could use. 

It’s time for employers to stop penalizing parents who take paid family leave

Paid family leave has made me a better leader, teammate, and more passionate human.

How to build an intentional morning routine to help find yourself again

Because motherhood is often a rush—but that doesn't mean you have to get lost in the thick of it.

Does praising ‘real’ celebrity bodies actually help normalize regular ‘real’ bodies?

My fear is that we as a society have gotten so acclimated to hiding behind filters and only sharing the staged versions of ourselves, that we forgot how being genuine and authentic is not a revolution, but a normalcy.

Channeling Stuart Smalley: How morning ‘mirror mantras’ have changed my entire day

Mirror mantras have empowered me to use my voice.