Motherly
You want it ☑️—20-month-old
If you want it, work for it. Pregnancy is hard work. Caring for a newborn is exhausting. Toddlers are little tornados. Motherhood is a marathon. So we already know you're not afraid of really digging in and sacrificing for what you want. Whatever it is you're working for this week, we hope you go all the way, mama. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Babywearing is still a thing—even for toddlers. We love wearing our babes on our backs using the ErgoBaby carrier. Keep calm + carry on. Toddler this week: Lots of toddlers go through a "carry me" phase, where she needs the security of holding mama close. Try this: As much as possible, indulge your little one. By creating these secure attachments, especially when your child needs it the most, you're actually laying the groundwork for a more independent young adult.
On my own —17-month-old
Own it, mama. One of the gifts of motherhood: You learn to care so much less about what other people think. In fact, you discover that the way you mother is often different (but not better or worse) than the way others do. If extended breastfeeding/cosleeping/homeschooling work for you, YAY. If you prefer formula feeds, crib rest and enrolling that cutie in daycare, AWESOME. Motherhood is hard enough, so we're all done with the judgment. Buh-bye to all that. XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. We are definitely not judging if you reward yourself for some awesome Momming with a special delivery from Goldbelly—which ships America's most legendary and iconic foods straight to your house. Send us a Joe's Pizza? Toddler this week: At 17 months, your child points to communicate all sorts of messages to you. Try this: Read up on why pointing is such a profound achievement for your tot—and what your child is trying to say. Aww, he's so smart!
All the energies —21-month-old
Carpe caffeine. Toddlers wake up fully charged. Moms? Not so much. May you seize the day, the caffeine, the nap, the promotion, the night on the couch watching your favorite movie. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We love classic blocks—the perfect toy for toddlers to teens (seriously). This Melissa + Doug set comes with the perfect storage tray too. Toddler this week: Your child loves to dismantle things—it's in her tiny scientist DNA! Try this: Your little one is also capable of helping to put things back together, so after she knocks over that pile of blocks, encourage her to put them back where they belong. All better!
Who’s in charge around here? —17-month-old
Mom like a boss. You are already an amazing mother. You love, you sacrifice, you work, you dream, you try, you fail—and then you get right back up and love on that little one again. This week, we hope you mom like the boss that you already are. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly Toddler this week: Your sweet little thing might start to have temper tantrums. Try this: Empathize, no matter how ridiculous it seems. "I know honey, you really wanted to put spaghetti on your head." You can also name her emotions—which helps her understand them and (over time) moderate them.
Big girl pants —21-month-old
Put your pants on. Nothing like a toddler negotiation to get your day started the right way. Okay tiny person—don't wear pants. Pick your battles, mama. Those chubby little legs are super adorable anyway. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Toddler this week: As two approaches, it's super common for your toddler to begin testing your limits. Try this: Avoid conflict by helping your child feel empowered. Encourage choices. Pick your battles. And keep calm.
Was that so hard? —17-month-old
Work hard. Mom hard. In motherhood, the easy things can be hard. Getting out the door? That's an adventure. Eating out with your toddler? Maybe next year. Saving money, but still watching your bank account balance go down? The struggle is real. But the struggle is also where you find your strength.XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Our favorite toddler sippy cups here, because that's one less mess you need to clean. Toddler this week: At this stage, your little one knows how to identify basic household objects and how to use them. Try this: Hand baby the hair brush and let her brush those beautiful locks.
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The overwhelm is real —18-month-old
Embrace the chaos. One of the most common feelings we experience as moms is overwhelm. It seems no matter how hard we try, we're always behind on work, laundry and showers—not to mention date night. But we really believe that it's when we're feeling the most stressed that it's time to step back and give ourselves a break. So call in the reinforcements and give yourself a real day (or night, or hour) off. You'll come back to mom life refreshed and ready for another round. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Expectful's momlife meditations bring the calm into your home. Try out their science-backed meditations here. Toddler this week: Starts playing pretend! Try this: Your little one will love playing 'mommy' and 'daddy' to a doll of their very own. We love these boy dolls and bought them for our sons. Little Daddy is the cutest game.
What really matters —21-month-old
The best way to get stuff done is to simply begin.
Life in color —18-month-old
Live colorfully. If you embrace it, this momlife can be a beautiful adventure. Do you ever just sit and marvel at how fun, miraculous and (at times) mind-blowing it all is? In the midst of the grind, we hope you take time to count those little fingers and toes, and thank the universe for the gift of your child. We do. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Our toddlers love arts + crafts time at their Melissa & Doug's Standing Easel. Add a smock and drop cloth to make clean-up a breeze! Toddler this week: Good times ahead, as your toddler can follow 1-step verbal commands, for example, he stops when you say "Stop painting the walls !" (He can follow commands, but we can't promise he always will.) Try this: Try not to bark too many orders, instead focus on essential commands, especially ones around safety.
It’s all yours —21-month-old
The secret to having it all is believing you already do. The phrase "working mother" is redundant. —Jane Sellman. Can we get a praise hands emoji for that nugget of truth? When it comes to navigating career + kids, the most important thing is that you feel fulfilled by whatever it is that you chose to do. And with more women than ever making money from home, working remotely, or kicking off careers as entrepreneurs, the working world is your oyster. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Need a diaper bag that doubles as a work bag? We dig Skip*Hop's Greenwich Backpack Diaper Bag. Toddler this week: Early shape recognition takes shape. Try this: Use a shape sorter to help refine motor skills and learn their circles from their squares.
Motherly powers —18-month-old
I'm not a superhero—but I am a mom. So close enough. Motherhood gives you supersonic hearing. Motherly intuition. A sixth sense. Superhuman strength. So may you soar this week like the superhero that you are. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Even superheroes need to take a break from time to time. Massage Envy's monthly massage plan gives you an amazing deal on a rub down every 30 days—easily the most relaxing hour all month. We're big fans. Toddler this week: Your baby can now easily eat with a spoon—but your supervision is still essential. Try this: Let baby self-feed, but stock up on Ikea's bib shirts.
It’s the best —21-month-old
My mom is the best—your kid. Relax, mama: You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect mother for your child. You just need to show up each day and support and love on your little person. Love means sometimes saying 'no.' Love means taking care of yourself, too. Love means creating a safe space for your baby to grow. So you're already rocking this awesome momlife thing. We all love you just the way you are. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Finding an activity you enjoy doing with your child is the best. Maybe it's a favorite book you both enjoy. Maybe it's mommy + me yoga. Maybe it's a special lunch date. Toddler this week: Fine motor skills are all the rage this month for your babe. Try this: Tin trains, cars and things-that-go become suddenly fascinating—go with it.
Ch-ch-ch-changes —18-month-old
I'm not afraid of change. I'm afraid of staying the same. As soon as you get used to each stage in this momlife, something changes. Whether we're talking teething, naptimes, meals or milestones, it all transforms so quickly. Motherhood keeps you on your toes. The good news? You're becoming quite the skilled quick-change artist. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. The Dazzle SmarTrike 5-in-1 ride morphs from a reclining stroller to traditional stroller to guided trike, training trike, and finally a classic tricycle. POOF: Magic. ✨. Toddler this week: Can identify several body parts. Try this: Point out all of your little ones' parts by singing 'head, shoulders knees and toes.'
On the run —22-month-old
This house runs of coffee, Paw Patrol and love. Toddlers will keep you on your toes. From messes to spills to health hiccups, mothering a growing child is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, you have a big heart—and it's full of big love. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We love Stride Rite's sturdy shoes for our little runners—they've even held up for multiple kids! Toddler this week: Your little one can develop sudden fears of things like the bath, dogs or new neighbors. Try this: Do your best to comfort your child without magnifying the fear. "Yes, the puppy dog is loud. Can you wave hi to the doggie?"
Motherhood, simplified ☕️ —19-month-old
Coffee is my star sign. Toddlers are adorable. And exhausting. That's why we've embraced the simple things: a good cup of coffee, a folded pile of laundry, a perfect pair of pants we rock every single day. Because in motherhood, less can be so much more. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Getting rid of stuff can SAVE motherhood. Toddler this week: 'Sharing' is not in the vocabulary of most 19-month-olds. Try this: Encourage 'taking turns'
So many feels —22-month-old
You're stronger than you think. Being a toddler is exhausting. One moment you're giggling like a lunatic because you're throwing your dinner across the dining room, and the next you're bawling your eyes out because mommy said, "No throwing food!" When your little one feels all the feels this week, may you keep your cool and carry on. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Dylbug's personalized plates are THE CUTEST way to make meals special. Toddler this week: Your little one's emotions can be all over the map as he starts to feel big things. Try this: Label the emotions that your little one is feeling to help him understand + cope.
The runaround —19-month-old
Children are my cardio. Who needs the gym when you have a tiny tornado living in your house? Between cleaning up after meals, lugging loads of laundry, bending down to kiss little boo boos and running after your little one, you're already getting a work out in every single day. Build those mama muscles, lady. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Burn off some of that toddler energy with a Gymnic Rody Horse with Rocking Base Ride On. Rody is the perfect way to harness that energy in a fun and safe way. Toddler this week: Your little one may reject the stroller (not to mention the car seat). Try this: Let your tot walk more places, and embrace choice when getting her into the carseat. "Should I put your left arm or right arm in first?" "Do you want to climb in?" Cooperation, FTW!
Kiss kiss, mama —19-month-old
Kiss that booboo and carry on. There's nothing better than mama. Your kiss can heal booboos. Your voice can calm meltdowns. Your snuggle can ward off bad dreams. A mother is magic. Use your powers wisely this week. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Toddler this week: It's never too early to start fostering a love for nourishing and delicious foods. Check out this inspo for your blossoming little foodie. Check in on nutritious eating techniques for toddlers + fuel on.
Good day ☀️—19-month-old
It's a good day to have a good day. Sometimes all that keeps you going is the hope that tomorrow will be a better day. Sometimes you burn dinner, make a mistake at work, get frustrated with your toddler and can't find pants that fit. But tomorrow? Tomorrow, you're going to rock it. Promise. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. A new pair of sunglasses can make you look instantly put together. Read what other beauty pick-me-ups for we love for busy mamas. Toddler this week: Playing pretend is the name of the game. Try this: A play kitchen provides years of entertainment for your little one, and is good training to take care of himself!