motherhood is hard

I want my son to know that crying is not a sign of weakness

When my husband lost his job and then finally found a new one after three long months, he sat on our coffee table with our kids and cried.

My best friend and I decided to move in together and co-parent our children

Our arrangement goes beyond that of roommates. We're genuinely leaning on each other; when one of us has more capacity than the other, she tags in.

I tell my kids it’s okay to fail—so I need to start telling myself, too

Maybe if we actually believed the things we say, the entire structures of our lives, vocations, and relationships would feel less tenuous. We'd believe that even if they got knocked down, we could put them back up just the same as before but with the weaker areas reinforced, stronger in the long run.

Motherhood is: Wondering ‘When will I feel like myself again?’

The truth is, your definition of "myself" will change during this time.

Why I fight to prioritize my self-care

Inspired by my nurse, this is my motherhood mantra: To care for others, I must care for myself.

8 truths about the 4th trimester I wish I had known

6. Little victories are worth celebrating.

Motherhood is: Wondering if I chose the right daycare

I walked out the door after dropping her off and immediately burst into tears.

To the woman who doesn’t know what #momlife will be like

You didn't know how much the living room clock would be your closest companion, watching it always and praying for it to be the right time: the time when you can finally feed your baby again, because you don't know how else to stop her from crying.

9 ways to manage your fear + anxiety—and become a more peaceful parent

3. Dive headfirst into empathy.

Motherhood is: Dance routines while I shower to keep the baby entertained

My daughter's need to be with me, near me or on me can be frustrating at times. Sometimes I just need space for a minute. But I keep reminding myself that this is just a phase. So, I try to turn her clinginess into a positive.

What the first week of parenthood *really* feels like

Half of my hair is dry shampoo, my body still feels unsteady and foreign after nearly 10 months of relentless changes during pregnancy, my contacts may have permanently fused to my eyes and I'm so deliriously tired at times that I'm unsure if I'm awake or asleep.

Going to therapy saved my motherhood

I was treading water with my head above the surface because typically it's fine as long as it's fine... until one day it's not.

The eye-opening advice I wish I had gotten as a new mama

Be confident in your abilities and instincts. I wish I had been more confident.

This mom’s post about a toddler’s tantrum at Target goes viral for the best reason

Sometimes, it's okay to talk to strangers.

When motherhood feels heavy, mama—know that you are not alone

I am with you—in the heaviness and the lightness. I just want you to know that. You're not alone, and I know I'm not either. And sometimes, that's what we need to know most of all.

Can I be honest? Sometimes, I envy other moms

An open letter from both sides.

To the mama who is barely hanging on

I've been where you are. I was there, and I lost myself 1,000 times. But—I'm here to tell you—I've made it to the other side.

8 ways to put yourself first, mama

Good parenting starts with mothering ourselves.

Nope, I’m not a superhero, but I am a mother—and that’s a lot

I already know I am efficient, capable, strong and fierce. But, I am also fatigued, sometimes overworked and underappreciated, and worst of all expected to be the one that keeps it together for everyone else.

Dear Serena Williams: I’m having a rough week, too

I'm just here to say, thank you for your vulnerability. And for your honesty. And for your poise.