One thing I want to clearly articulate is this: it’s my belief that this happens, in part at least, because of the way we cut down fathers and expect them to mess up. You know how we clap in an exaggerated fashion and exclaim “YAAAAAYYYY!” when our babies do something simple, like waving or throwing a ball? It’s almost like that’s what we, what society, does when a father involves himself in any aspect of child-rearing. Read More
10 Outdoor Spring Activities for Families
Now that the warm weather is officially here to stay, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the longer days with our families! Weekends can easily feel jam-packed with activities or errands, but it’s always a good idea to slow down and take moments where you can get them. Read More
To All Women, When Mother’s Day is Hard
The sad truth is, if you could survey the women in the room, statistically, you would find that there are very few who would be untouched by miscarriage, infertility, broken marriages and families, or death. So why is it so unheard of for these hurts to be acknowledged in the same breath as we acknowledge the amazing work of motherhood? My prayer is that we find a way to boldly acknowledge pain while still celebrating the gift of Motherhood in an intentional way. Read More
Why I Cleaned Out My Closet (And Why You Should, Too!)
I’ve heard it said before that your closet can easily be a metaphor for your life, and I have to agree. Goodbye to snap decisions and impulse-buys that are supposed to put a band-aid on a bigger issue. Goodbye to filling voids with more stuff. In much the same way I evaluated my ‘busy’ life and the activities my days are filled with, I also want to evaluate where I spend my resources and time. Read More
New Mothers are Turning to Crowdfunding to Supplement Maternity Leave
So, while women are guaranteed to have a job upon their return, they are left to figure out how to do without almost three months of income during these precious first weeks. For families who live paycheck-to-paycheck, this is daunting to say the least. These are some of the most vulnerable and life-altering moments in a woman’s life; the parent-child bond is born and set on a foundation. To have it shaken by stress and worry about basic needs being met is a scary reality for many mothers-to-be. Read More
Slaying My Productivity Monster: Why I Don’t Want to be Busy
I say “no” to mom guilt. I have never given it a foothold in my parenting and won’t start now, with this. Busyness will not steal my joy, and I won’t stand for it robbing me of precious time with my family. And, most of all, I won’t let my actions teach my children that busyness is a status symbol or a value to hold dear. Read More
Their First Examples: Showing Them How
My husband and I have this conversation every now and then which can be loosely summed up in one phrase, “When did we become adults?” Read More
Why I Haven’t Lost Myself in Motherhood
The truth is, I feel more like myself than I ever imagined I could. I came alive the day I met my daughter. I’ve been forced to examine the corners of my being; to evaluate where I fall short, for the sake of others. My patience has, many times, been stretched beyond its limits. My selfishness constantly needs laying aside. My beliefs and views beg to be developed, because I’m helping to mold tiny ones, too. I’ve found that my fear is greater, but so is my joy. Read More
The Art of Connecting in the Car: What I Learned From My Broken Radio
I don’t love the message that my occasional ‘car time-outs’ could potentially be sending my daughter, unbeknownst to me. Letting her see and hear that my ears are available for listening and exchanging words with her speaks volumes. If there is constantly music to be talked over, or a physical barrier (like a phone) to pull down in order for us to converse, I’m not truly available. I’m tied up and somewhat closed off. That is not the mom I aspire to be. Read More
Let Go and Let Her Wear Shoes (Even When They’re Hideous)
Those shoes broke me that day, truly. At some point, at many points in our parenting journeys, we need to let go. It happens gradually, but I am learning how to just let be a truth that I not only already know, but am thrilled about: that my daughter is her own person. In all of the instructing and guiding I am charged with as her mother, there is no actual part of me that wants to turn her into someone she’s not. Read More