Positive Parenting

I planned everything about becoming a mom—and then I actually became one

Just weeks prior, I had everything planned so precisely. Things that pertained not just to the infancy stage I was so freshly experiencing now, but things that I had no right to plan, as I wouldn't truly understand them for months and some even years.

Dear husband: I know you hate your job–but you will find your purpose

You worked so hard. You did things you didn't want to do for the sake of love. You showed up every day and you wore down your body doing labor that wasn't fun for you. You took care of us and we are so grateful for you. Thank you for showing our kids what it looks like to work hard at things for your family.

To the other ‘moms’ in my child’s life–thank you

Five people who can offer wisdom. Five people who know their dreams and struggles.

Why saying ‘yes’ could be the key to disciplining your 2-year-old

Your child needs you to empathize with their current moods, give clear boundaries, model appropriate behaviors and intervene in ways that foster their developing independence rather than preventing it

Gobble ’til you wobble

Can you believe it’s already time for Thanksgiving, mama? Whether you’re hosting…

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.

This mom’s drawings show a real glimpse into the life of a SAHM

We've never felt so seen.

Foster parenting broke our hearts—and we’d do it all over again

Every joyful experience with him and his family was tinged with grief. When he laughed or smiled, we wondered exactly how many more times we would get to snuggle him, tickle him, play peek-a-boo with him.

How peaceful parenting saved our parenthood

Things are different now. Not perfect—not even remotely close. And not even always good. Sometimes we still have bad moments. And by moments I mean days. And by days I mean weeks. But still, mostly better.

I’m a military wife and mom—and I’m so lucky

As hard as this lifestyle can be, the level of pride I feel for the men and women of the Armed Forces is off-the-charts.

My husband is gone a lot, but I am NOT a single mom

What I want to tell you most about having a husband who is gone a lot is this: It is harder on him than it is on me.

What is temperament? And how does it help us become better parents?

By understanding your child's temperament, you are able to approach parenting situations with a new lens of knowledge.

It’s completely quiet when my kids are at school—and that’s exactly what I need

These long stretches of solitude help recalibrate my body and mind.

Our date nights have been pushed aside—but it’s not forever

We will get back to that place one day—that place where you take a purse with you instead of the diaper bag or wear the non-sensible heels.

Joanna Gaines’ mantra for eliminating mom guilt is genius

It's all about replacing one word with another.

6 questions Montessori teachers ask when they want to change ‘bad’ behavior

"How can I change the layout of the room to address the behavior?"

Moms, we need each other

No one GETS IT like we do.

If I want to raise confident adults, I must accept opinionated children

Most of the things that I find frustrating and exhausting in parenting my children are the result of characteristics that will serve my children well in life.

Why we’re asking for experiences, not toys

We're choosing love and memories over toys. Discover why experiences matter more for families today.

What I finally understood about my adoption after becoming a mother

For the first time, I felt such immense sadness for my biological mother.