Julie Calidonio

Julie Calidonio is a part-time lawyer/writer and full-time mother of three. She’s in the process of trying to get her three upmarket women’s fiction novels published. She’s represented by Latoya Smith at ArtHouse. She’s also published several articles that highlight her comedic yet poignant writing style, which can be located at juliecalidonio.com.

Motherly Stories

An open letter to my best friend—my minivan

When I first met you, I wanted nothing to do with you.

What To Read

The best way to teach kids about diversity and inclusion is through reading

So many books present a homogenous view of the world. I want to elevate those who break through the barrier, and I want my children to look for those stories.

Motherly Stories

Growing up is hard on kids too

They are justifiably conflicted to be standing with one leg in their childhood and one leg inching beyond.

Parenting

I was proud of my multitasking—until I realized the damage it was doing to my life

That badge of honor I wore somehow now is replaced by a feeling that my ability to do multiple things at once prevents me from doing any one thing very well.

Motherly Stories

My introverted child doesn’t need to be ‘fixed’

Why do we think children have to be social to be happy?

Parenting

How I’m raising proud Hispanic children

I realized that my children don’t need to relive my childhood to appreciate their heritage, just like I didn’t have to relive my father’s. They will appreciate being Hispanic in a different way than me.

Motherly Stories

Grieving the loss of my father was complicated by motherhood

Even though I’m a rational person, my heart couldn’t process death being forever.