Stores will reportedly open one hour early on November 6 to accommodate families who would like to shop, just without the familiar stimuli. Management will dim the lights, turn off store-wide announcements and music, display autism-friendly signage, and designate quiet spaces for families that need them. Read More
The Myth of the Happy Modern Mom
If we continue to tell ourselves, and each other, that it’s normal and expected to not enjoy these child-rearing years, we’re perpetuating a mentality that lends itself to missing out on literal decades of our lives. And our children’s lives. Poof. They’re gone; they’ve disappeared into an abyss while we resigned ourselves to being miserable. And do you know what the sad thing is about time? It’s impossible to get it back. Read More
Five Ways My Miscarriages Changed Me
Those years of grief won’t be forgotten, and neither will those lives. I’m certain I’ll always remember their due dates, and the order of siblings that would have been, had we been allowed to have our children. I’m okay with reflecting on the dark times and feeling twinges of that familiar heartache. It gets easier, but it never goes away. It’s fitting to grieve what will never be. Read More
President Obama Signs BABIES Act, Giving Fathers Greater Access to Changing Stations Across America
The Act received bipartisan support in Congress, and although it only mandates that certain federal buildings must make changing stations readily available to both men and women, it is a small, but greatly appreciated, step in the right direction. Read More
Notes on the Seasons of Motherhood
What I’m learning, though, is that each of these seasons prepares me for the next. While I may not enjoy my doubting season, it gives me an impetus to explore what I believe about mothering, marriage, faith, and friendships. When I do this, I’m better able to solidify my convictions and move forward with purpose. Read More
These Teal Pumpkins Aren’t Just Pretty, They’re For a Great Cause
So how do you participate? You can simply paint a pumpkin teal and place it on your doorstep, indicating that you are offering non-food treats for trick-or-treaters. You can also print out a mini poster from FARE’s website to post outside of your door, similarly telling allergy families that they are safe to accept treats from your home. Read More
Former Victim of Bullying Natalie Hampton Creates App So No Kid Ever Has to Eat Lunch Alone at School
The way it works is that kids can download the app on their smartphones and find a Sit With Us club at their school. The app allows willing students to sign up as ambassadors, which means they can volunteer to keep an open seat at their table for users to find them and sit down for lunch– and hopefully find new friends. Read More
There are No New Ideas: Relating to One Another Through Blogging
There is a very real explanation for why the internet is flooded with parenting blogs: so many of us are asking for and seeking the exact same things. A creative and personal reimagining of the same old wisdom, experiences, and ideas that many of us are facing in a particular season of life. Read More
Being Their Best Mommy (Instead of THE best Mommy)
I had accidentally left my shopping list at home on the counter, so remembering all of the items I need before I leave town this week had to come straight from my brain. Read More
What I’m Learning About Finding My Village
I want to boldly confess something important that I’m learning as I grow: that what is more important than how I feel is being an active part of a community. I will continue to extend invitations to fill our guest room and table with those in our growing village. Although I may still have to fight the deeply ingrained cultural mindset that says if I’m uncomfortable then I won’t do it, I will do so because of the long-term benefits, for both my family unit and those who are a part of our lives. Read More