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At 28 weeks pregnant
At 28 Weeks: When Reality Shifts
In this piece, I show how my brain tried to process the red flags that started appearing during our ultrasound appointment that marked 28 weeks.

Posted in Parenting

7 ways to encourage kids' imaginations and storytelling
7 Ways to Encourage Kids’ Imaginations and Storytelling
Storytelling sets the stage for building connection with our kids. Based on my experiences, here are seven ways to encourage kids’ imaginations and storytelling.

Posted in On Writing, Parenting

When tragedy strikes, what do I tell my child
When Tragedy Strikes, What Do I Tell My Child?
Before sending my kid off to school, I debated if and what I should tell my child about the Texas school shooting. Part of me didn’t want to. But I also wanted to be there to comfort him when he did hear the truth.
How I can better show up for my kid and myself the next time I feel overwhelmed
How I Can Show Up Better for My Kid and Myself the Next Time I Feel Overwhelmed
Part of me didn't want to face the mom guilt I felt over how often I feel overwhelmed. Instead, a writing prompt helped me to move forward and find hope again. 

Posted in Parenting

Finding the love in those imperfect holiday moments
One Way to Find the Love Even in Those Imperfect Holiday Moments
During my holiday journaling challenge week, a prompt had us explore recent holiday moments with our kids. Learn about what I discovered about an imperfect holiday moment.
Thanksgiving 1995
Family Thanksgiving Traditions: Preserving Generations of Love
We can always find ways to evolve the family Thanksgiving traditions we hold dear, even as we and our circumstances change.
I lost myself: Why I advocate a life beyond parenting
I Lost Myself: Why I Advocate a Life Beyond Parenting
After realizing the extent to which I lost myself, I began seeking ways to build a life beyond parenting. But what does that even mean?
Sudden anger and the nervous system
How Sudden Anger Relates to the Nervous System
I hate when my sudden anger hijacks me, especially when I think I'm in control of my emotions. Turns out the nervous system plays a major role in emotional hijacking.
A young boy wearing a bow tie
I Need to Remember My 6-Year-Old Isn’t a Miniature Adult
My six-year-old isn't a miniature adult. To help him not feel inadequate, I need to be more intentional with my tone and word choices and model self-compassion.

Posted in Parenting

Tending to our emotional needs
10 Quick Ways for Parents to Refill Our Empty Cup
When I'm overwhelmed, I use these quick ways to refill my empty cup so that I can be there for my kids in the way I want and they need. 
Mom comforting child: parents with anxiety
Parents with Anxiety: How Identifying Mine Saved My Family
Even though I am one of may parents with anxiety, I had been unaware of how much my anxiety negatively impacted my relationship with my kids. I vowed to change.