Motherly Stories

Our family does ‘trips instead of gifts’ for the holidays—and it has been life-changing

Trips don't have to be fancy vacations; they can also include outings that are closer to home.

To improve moms’ health, we must focus on social determinants

As moms, we’re often told how important it is to take good care of ourselves through eating, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But some of the biggest forces that determine our health are out of our control. 

What to do if your child has a ‘difficult’ teacher

Sometimes sticking with the thing that feels really difficult is the best course of action.

Having a Black Ariel shows that representation isn’t just important—it’s attainable

It's a reminder that all we ever have to do is show up as our authentic selves—and believe that the rest will fall into place.

Traveling with extended family is a delightful challenge—here’s how to make it even better

These are the family vacations that stick with you.

Are childcare swaps the future of childcare?

I believe swapping care can allow families—and specifically mothers—to connect with their communities and thrive in ways they couldn’t before. 

Are you a ‘scrunchy mom?’ TikTok’s parenting trend is all the rage

This judgment-free and balanced approach to motherhood is the breath of fresh air we all could use. 

It’s time for employers to stop penalizing parents who take paid family leave

Paid family leave has made me a better leader, teammate, and more passionate human.

How to build an intentional morning routine to help find yourself again

Because motherhood is often a rush—but that doesn't mean you have to get lost in the thick of it.

Does praising ‘real’ celebrity bodies actually help normalize regular ‘real’ bodies?

My fear is that we as a society have gotten so acclimated to hiding behind filters and only sharing the staged versions of ourselves, that we forgot how being genuine and authentic is not a revolution, but a normalcy.

Channeling Stuart Smalley: How morning ‘mirror mantras’ have changed my entire day

Mirror mantras have empowered me to use my voice.

Here’s to the grandmothers who have shaped generations of women and mothers

In light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, I am reminded of the passing of my own grandmother and the importance of grandmothers all across the globe.

I no longer pick up after my kids: Here’s how I taught them to do it themselves

"Somewhere right now there is a mom cleaning up a mess right after she cleaned up said mess."

My strict parents became indulgent grandparents who spoil my kids rotten—and it’s great

The joy I feel knowing my two sons are being undeniably spoiled with love, food, gifts, candy—and everything else good this world has to offer—is one of such completeness and gratitude.

‘New Girl’ is (still) my go-to comfort watch

"You're my mama bear, girl."

Women should be able to exist without fearing for our lives

Eliza Fletcher was a woman. She was a mom. She was a wife. She was me—and countless other women who exercise or run errands alone.

Latinx moms of this generation are taking care of their mental health in the most necessary ways

All you need is one person taking small steps to create generational change and generational healing.

My ‘unnecessary’ Target trips are ABSOLUTELY necessary—and I’m not sorry for it

Because as a mom, we all need a place that feels crucial to our identity—and Target is just that place.

One-parent-one-child trips are a wonderful way to bond

Not only are one-parent-one-child trips a wonderful way to bond, but they can also be happiness anchors with lasting memories for years to come.

It’s time we redefine what it means to ‘Have it all’

We have to give moms the freedom to fulfill ourselves in real ways, beyond these fake ideas of what a perfect mother looks like.