Posts by Maya Johnson, Author at Motherly
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Maya Johnson

Mom holding baby while working on laptop at home office

Nesting with purpose: 7 tiny projects that pay dividends all year

Small, low-lift tweaks can save you time, lower stress, and make family life flow. These seven mini projects take an afternoon or less and pay you back all year.

Mom resting on comfy couch while holding newborn baby

Loving your C-section scar: reframing recovery as strength, not setback

Loving a C-section scar is not about pretending recovery is easy. It is about honoring your body’s work, caring for your whole self, and writing a new story of strength.

Toddler in potty-training stage sitting on floor playing with toy cookware pretending to make food

In the messy middle of potty training: 7 scripts that lower the pressure

Seven calm potty training scripts that reduce pressure, prevent power struggles, and keep kids confident during the messy middle.

Family picking out a Christmas tree at a Christmas tree farm

5 ways to make the holiday stress feel peaceful, not pressure-filled

Five practical ways to lower holiday stress and create calm, connected traditions your family will actually enjoy.

Image showing pregnancy test, baby pacifier, calendar, and white flowers laying on desk

Waiting to conceive doesn’t mean standing still: how to find momentum in the in-between

The waiting season can feel lonely and endless. With a gentle plan and a few grounding habits, you can move forward, protect your heart, and feel more like you again.

Close-up photo of toddler hands rolling dough with parent

10 fun holiday food ideas to make with kids (that don’t require perfection)

Keep the joy, skip the pressure. These easy, holiday food ideas invite kids into the kitchen without requiring flawless frosting or chef-level skills.

Teenager texting friend while sitting at desk at home

What teenagers really need from moms (but won’t say)

Teenagers still want you close, just differently. Here is how to stay connected, set limits with love, and read what they are telling you between the lines.

Mom laying on exam table about to have an ultrasound while doctor gets computer ready

Why the second trimester feels like a deep breath

After the intensity of early pregnancy, many parents-to-be hit a more comfortable stride in the middle months. Here is why it often feels easier, plus gentle ways to make the most of it.

Four children playing in their playroom together

10 habits families use to build financial resilience

Financial resilience is not about perfection or six-figure savings. It is built through small, consistent habits that help your family bend without breaking when life shifts.

Three new wicker baskets sitting on the couch holding various home decor and clothing items, representing organization

10 ways second trimester moms can prepare their home with ease

The second trimester often brings more energy and fewer symptoms. Use it to set up simple systems that make late pregnancy and the newborn weeks feel calmer and lighter.

Mom leaning down to put her newborn into cradle for a nap

Why it’s normal to feel ambivalent about pregnancy

You can be excited and unsure at the same time. Ambivalence in pregnancy is a normal feelings response. These feelings are common, healthy, and workable with the right support.

Mom and dad laying on bed laughing at their baby laying between them

Tips for nurturing intimacy after birth (7 gentle ones)

Intimacy and postpartum sex can feel different, tender, and sometimes confusing. These gentle ideas help you find your way back to closeness at a pace that honors recovery and real life.

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