MothersRest

The working mom’s morning struggle is real

With little ones around, plus a full time job, this momma really likes routines. Especially in the morning. Where everyone wakes up, dutifully gets dressed, eats organic goodness for breakfast, brushes teeth, combs hair, and washes face without incident, and...

What to do when breastfeeding is hard

You've heard breastfeeding is good for baby. You've heard breastfeeding is good for mom's health. And you've heard breastfeeding helps you bond with your wee one. But if you're reading this, you've probably also discovered it's hard.

Savor the moment: It’s back-to-school time!

Motherhood: the days are long, the years are short. So savor the season and enjoy the chaos. And mark this back-to-school time with a new family tradition to celebrate the milestones along the way.

Amazon PRIME DAY DEALS for moms

It’s Christmas in July! Amazon Prime Day is back with tons of deals, y’all. And it’s technically TWO DAYS this year: July 16 AND 17. You might as well get your actual Christmas shopping done early this year. So you...

Working mother hacks

So you had a fabulous maternity leave. You followed my advice and turned off your damn work email and created a maternity leave manifesto. You’re rocking this new-mom thing! Well, sleep deprivation may just win the battle when you return...

How not to be a submissive wife

A couple years ago, a friend informed me that since I’m not a submissive wife, I’m “destined for divorce.” Huh, I can think of lots of reasons why I might get divorced – and that ain’t one of them. Like...

Miscarriage: 1 in 4 women know we need to talk about this

Sometimes a miscarriage is so early it feels like a heavy, painful period. Other times, you sense it coming when you look in the eyes of the ultrasound tech. But every time, you need to know: YOU'RE NOT ALONE.

Turn off the damn baby monitor (and other sleep tips for moms)

One day your shiny, new baby will sleep. I promise. But for you, uh, sleep is now a glitter-covered unicorn. And I’ve heard those suckers are nearly impossible to catch. The months of painful sleep deprivation, accompanied by the fog...

12 simple tips for better sleep on vacation

You’ve waited months for vacation. You’ve saved for it. You’ve planned for it. You’ve off-loaded all your work projects so you can actually enjoy it. Then you spend the first night tossing and turning. Even though you’re sleeping on the...

Children should be seen and not heard

You know the expression: Children should be seen and not heard. It’s total bunk. Do not build your parenting around this concept! You will live to regret it. Your kid will draw horses on the wall behind her bed. Or...

Why I’m getting the measles shot AGAIN

Brook should be in New York right now. Swelling with pride as she watches her 14-year-old daughter sing – at CARNEGIE HALL. But here she is, sitting at home. Because: anti-vaxers. You see, my dear friend has Lupus, and New...

I remember the school shooter drills

I don't teach anymore, but I remember the drills. I remember the nervous chatter of middle schoolers as we huddled in the farthest corner, the door locked, the room dark, objects in hand ready to throw at an assailant.

Global warming, I wanna fight you and your pesky friends

I was groomed to be a Republican. But my parents made a mistake and sent me to a hippy nature camp every summer. I relished in it: we spent 2 weeks in the woods learning science, taking hikes and exploring...

The one thing your kid needs to foster his creativity

We gave the birthday boy four matchbox cars. He was thrilled and my kiddo was proud. I looked at the mom and said, “I’m betting he has 50 more of those at home.” Her reply: “And he loves them. I...

The one-week water bottle challenge (or how to be an eco chick for 7 days)

I recently let down the neighbor kid in a major way. He made me sign a pledge to stop using bottled water for 6 months. Or was it 6 weeks? I can’t remember. I should ask my boys. They were...