Encouragement

Songs That Won't Leave You Alone :: Revisiting Sinéad O'Connor As A Middle-Aged Mom We lounged comfortably in the backyard. The boys played in the pool; I had a journal and fountain pen; my sister, niece, and mom had their phones. Out of the blue, Mom went, “Oh!” and, to our inquisitive looks, said “Sinéad O’Connor died.” The news felt incomprehensible. Sinéad O’Connor? The rebel yell against Margaret Thatcher’s England and religion that only worked if it hurt? She Who Was Banned From NBC For Life? The priestess? She was a force of nature, a name that channeled truth like a raw steak, so bloody you can’t look at it without physical discomfort. Died? What? Since July 26, like many people...

Tips For Surviving Back-To-School In Boiling Pot Temperatures Being a mom during back-to-school season can be challenging, especially in the Louisiana heat. Add the excessive heat warnings to the typical Louisiana temperatures and more than prices will cause you to feel faint. The combination of shopping for supplies, coordinating schedules, and managing the increased demands can feel overwhelming. It's important to remember to take care of yourself during this time. Here are some tips to help you navigate the stress of back-to-school while beating the heat: 1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay cool and prevent dehydration. Encourage your kids to do the same. (More water less margaritas!) 2. Dress appropriately: Choose lightweight and breathable clothing for both...

Strong As A Mother: Embracing The Journey With A Medically Complex Child We’ve all had the conversation at some point in our pregnancy. You know the one I'm referring to. A stranger, or maybe even a friend or coworker, will come up to you and congratulate you on your pregnancy. They'll gush over your belly and ask you if you would prefer a boy or girl. You'll say it doesn't matter. As long as baby is healthy and happy. Those words come out so effortlessly; it’s the generic response to this question and it’s true isn’t it? As long as the baby’s healthy, we couldn't care less about the gender. We never stop to think, what if my baby is not...

ADHD Kids And School Mornings Back to school mornings can be hectic and overwhelming at the best of times. If your child has ADHD, it can be even more stressful. There are things you can put into place to make mornings go much more smoothly. We use a lot of these techniques with my seven year old and it has drastically improved the overall mood of our mornings. Things have calmed a lot, and we aren't so rushed and panic filled in the mornings anymore. Establish a morning routine Set up a schedule. Times for waking up, Breakfast, teeth brushing, getting dressed, getting on the bus, or a set time to leave. It helps them know what to expect each morning, so...

Barbie, Made For Mothers And Daughters "We girls can do anything, Right Barbie?" That was the slogan I would proudly sing aloud as a little girl playing with my Barbie dolls back in the mid-80’s. If you’re a young Gen X / elder Millennial Mom (a Xennial, if you will), you were probably singing along too.Barbie was not without controversy, but for many of us she symbolized what we hoped to be; beautiful, independent, successful, and happy. Luckily, for little Black girls at that time, Barbie could also be Black! Thanks to Mattel’s Chief Designer of Fashions and Doll Concepts, Louvenia (Kitty) Black Perkins, the first Black Barbie was created in 1979. Barbie was living her best life and she...