Nice to meet you! I’m a published author, attorney, freelance writer, and college application coach who’s done it all — from college professor to small business owner. I’m also a mother of three and an autoimmune warrior who started Lessons From The Minivan to share stories from all facets of my life.
I nodded as he excitedly told me he found the perfect rock for me. It wasn’t the first perfect rock he’d given me, nor would it be the last.
There will be a grieving period for the siblings left behind. After the college teen leaves, there’s a feeling of grief and guilt for feeling sad. This feeling is rarely discussed because of the shame associated with feeling sad about a happy event.
Isn’t this the way things are supposed to be?
Isn’t the goal of parenting is to have your child fly when they become adults?
It’s not like they are going off to war or they died. So do you even have the right to be sad?
You need to allow your other children to mourn and be sad about missing their sibling. There is a void in your family, a deep emptiness, and you feel like you’re grieving.
We are groomed to believe that being a mom means looking pulled together and confident instead of the uncertain and flawed humans we are.
We need to create a school system which addresses 21st century issues and can help our kids get ready for the world after high school graduation.
Even though I couldn’t afford it, I made extra food or gave out smaller portions when there were extra children in my house at dinnertime.
When Mommy is chronically ill, "now is not a good time," takes on a whole new meaning. When Mommy is in bed most of the day, most days of the week, of the month and of the year, seeing Mommy in bed is normal. Chronic illness is forever.
You’ve got to rate yourself high or you have nothing to give others. It sounds silly, but I’m living proof that being The Giving Tree isn’t appreciated by anyone
I am a lifelong empath and nurturer. I am the oldest of four kids and was responsible for raising the others as well as raising my mother! I have three children and ALWAYS put my needs last. I am the mommy who ate leftovers over the kitchen sink, if I ate at all.
Sending my firstborn to Kindergarten where they had lockdown drills was a HUGE, emotional step for me to take. I invited my in-laws over for dinner and cake to celebrate the first day of Kindergarten. That wasn’t enough for the MIL.
How in the name of all things holy are we supposed to maintain our pre-parent identity while simultaneously being involved?
I needed a C-section. When I told my Lamaze coach, she threw me out of the class in front of everybody else announcing, “Since you’re copping out you won’t be needing breathing exercises.”
My daughter never even noticed that her friend didn’t use words. They communicated through my daughters verbal language and through nonverbal communication. They simply figured it out by playing together.
Your kids will thrive when you’re happy. Date your partner, go out or stay in with your friends, Even if you have no money or time, it’s okay to say “no” to your kids sometimes and take a breather. Your kids will be amazing. I promise.
People take advantage and feel like your choice to be an at home mom means free daycare for them.
I learned that we are all one accident, illness, death or divorce away from needing help. I tried to teach my kids about the importance of giving back to the community. I’d never have survived without the love and support of my community.
Even if someone has a pretty face, they can be very ugly if they’re mean. Beauty comes from inside a person.
I am responsible for the things I say in anger. I’m accountable for my flaws. No one is perfect and sometimes exhaustion prevails over calm logic.
A word to the wise: If you’re not a parent, don’t give advice about how you’d handle your imaginary children.
I’m going to embrace my authenticity—all of my quirks, flaws, and limitations are all part of who I am. Mommy is a person who is amazing just as she is. Authenticity is beautiful.
I felt trapped in a mommy matrix. I don’t know who decided that mothers should give up their identities and personalities. Rest assured, it’s wrong and crazy-making.
I’m 23 years into parenting and reclaiming my identity. It was a mistake to allow motherhood to swallow me whole, but I had no guidance on how to maintain my identity.
My romantic life is really none of anyone’s business. If I decide to commit to someone, but not conform to the institution of marriage, does that really affect my need for allergy medication?
Some people believe they have the ability to handle obstacles and setbacks. To others, challenges are terrifying and they crumble when merely faced with obstacles. The truth is, everyone can expand their abilities and change their way of doing things.
Once masks are gone, I’m going to have to reign in my clueless muttering. Now, I can bumble around talking to myself without anyone noticing or caring.
When your child leaves your home to start a new chapter, it’s okay to feel joy and grief, pride and heartbreak, happiness and sorrow.
The stereotypes are grossly wrong. Such complex medical decisions need to be made between a mother and her physicians based on her particular circumstances. Her decisions also need to be HIPAA protected.
I have NEVER met a woman who didn’t battle anxiety at some point in motherhood. One in nine women suffer from postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety. That’s a shit ton of mamas!