Yes, it’s possible. Without losing your sanity. Having a buddy along is definitely preferable, but I’ve had the pleasure of attempting this a couple times by myself to visit the Mimi and Poppa, and I’m still here to talk about...
Read MoreYou might be a #BoyMom if
Let’s embrace the age of androgyny in which we live. And expand the definition of boy. Because my dad is old school and doesn’t think little guys should have GIRL HAIR. You might be a #BoyMom if… Little man likes...
Read MoreTop 10 blog posts for 2022
Super excited to celebrate SEVEN YEARS of community with you, sharing parenting tips and reflecting on life in the trenches with small (and big) children. With more than 33,000 people visiting the MothersRest blog in 2022, here are the most...
Read More4 bizarre things the kiddos (probably don’t) need
There are things your kiddos DO need. Like broccoli, the occasional bath and 12 hugs a day. Then there’s all the junk you can buy for them online. Take my hand. (Think of it as a virtual hug. Because mommas...
Read MoreHow to raise generous children (and stock the shelves at the local food bank)
Early in my career I was the marketing director of a beloved shopping center. That sounds weird, I know. How can you love a shopping center? But it’s true. This mall has been around since 1957 and it’s the place...
Read MoreHere’s to the joy of sweet, little destructive boys
“You failed to tell me how destructive small boys can be. Especially to Christmas ornaments.” That was the message of distress dear Sarah sent me, as she shewed away her male youngins from the holiday decor. (By the way, spell...
Read MoreNeed an excuse for a girly wine date?
It’s that most wonderful time of the year. But shouldn’t EVERY DAY be the most wonderful time of the year? And shouldn’t we view life as the most wonderful present we get to open EVERY DAY? Especially if that present...
Read MoreMy kid-friendly, rainy day, dance party playlist
Saturday was rainy and cabin-fever-inducing. You know, one of those days where Pinterest can save you with its 50 million ideas for how to entertain the kiddos. But I’m not really crafty. In high school, I was in Acteens. This...
Read MoreCan we just stop with the book bans already?
Books are windows to peer into another person’s life and understand them better. Banning books that reflect the experiences of people different from ourselves harms all children - and hides the truth.
Read MoreHere’s why I’m delaying kindergarten for my kiddo
At 18 months, my son was dribbling basketballs. It was a sight to behold. This kid is athletically inclined. Or so we thought. Fast forward to this spring when, at age 4.5, we stuck him in tennis lessons and on...
Read More10 tips for car-tripping with toddlers
I’m getting ready to stab out both my eyes. From the thought of spending ad infinitum hours in the car with two small children. Yes, I want to go to the beach. No, I don’t want to travel to the...
Read MoreFeeling like Mommy Dearest: why you need REM sleep
As a first time mom, I experienced a high level of anxiety. Then I wandered into a dark world. Suddenly, I found myself in a place of rage. Too strong a word? Perhaps. How quickly lack of sleep took its...
Read MorePoolside potty training tips
My kid is a potty professional. As in, when he needs to go, he goes. As in, we don’t need to remind him over and over and over and…to potty. It’s all: git er done! He went diaper-free at two....
Read MoreHow to survive when you’re the Matron-of-Honor (with kids)
Congrats! You’ve “earned” the title of Matron-of-Honor. Is that a nice way of saying you’re old? No, no, no, just wiser. You’ve walked that wedding aisle before – there’s so much advice and love you can sprinkle on the bride....
Read MoreNever tell your kid she’s going to Disney World
I have a rule when dealing with small children and major life events: Never tell them something AMAZING is gonna happen til the DAY OF the event. Because, y’all, anticipation can kill your kiddo. Occasionally I break this rule: Hey,...
Read More