Blogs
Slow Down to Stay Flexible this Holiday Season
Recently, I had a conversation with another mom about that tricky phase many of us go through when we parents are trying to determine whether it’s time to drop a nap in our little one’s sleep schedule. Sometimes babies and toddlers can be really good at sending us a mixed bag of signals--particularly when it comes to naps.
And now that we’re in the full throes of holiday season, I think this topic is especially important since many of us spend time traveling or going to holiday events that also can bring about disruptions to our little ones’ sleep schedules (among other things).
Owning Your Confidence as New Parents When Others Have Opinions
If you’re wanting a quieter, simpler, more peaceful holiday season without the rushing around from this party to that dinner… First of all, I don’t blame you.
Doing all that with a brand-new baby or even a toddler can sometimes just be way too much. Especially if you’re only doing it because you feel like it’s expected of you.
Setting Boundaries as New Parents for a Peaceful Holiday Season
Well, the holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is a week away and I swear it sneaks up on me faster and faster every year.
The holidays can be stressful, chaotic, busy for everyone. This can be especially true for new moms.
Weathering the Weather in this Season of Motherhood
We’re officially within the bounds of “holiday season” by now. We survived the time change (how did that go for your little ones, by the way?). It’s getting darker way sooner than it was just weeks ago. And fall is transitioning into winter.
6 Things to Never Say to Someone Who Has Lost a Baby (And What to Do Instead)
I think we often struggle with how to support someone who has lost a loved one in general, and when someone who has lost a baby it can seem almost not real to the people in her periphery.
Miscarriage & Baby Loss: 7 Key Things You Need to Know
To honor that and the moms* who have lived through the experience of a miscarriage or baby loss, I wanted to share with you just how common the occurrence is, what the experience can feel like for some moms, and ways friends and family can help.
How to Parent When Your Heart is Broken
Parenthood is never easy, even when life seems perfect. And those times when life is not so perfect? Harder. And those times when loss, tragedy, or trauma happen? The hardest.
The Emotional Side of Potty Training
Ugh, potty training. Am I right? It can be so challenging, and so stressful. For you AND for your little one.
I want to help you get through potty training a little more pleasantly (Is pleasant potty training a thing? OK, maybe not. But let’s at least make it a little less torturous, shall we?)
The Taboo of Having a Favorite Child
When I was pregnant with my daughter (our second child), I distinctly remember being really worried that I would not be as in love with her as I was with my son (our first).
Is There a Right Way to Celebrate Baby's First Birthday?
WHY a baby’s first birthday is such a momentous day worth celebrating, and how to celebrate it in ways that honor that WHY.
Shifts & Starts: 3 Major Times Our Little Ones Change Up Our Routines
I don’t know about you, but lately, my Facebook newsfeed is filled with adorable first-day-of-school photos.
Shaping Perceptions of Racial Diversity in Babies, Toddlers & Young Children
Quick--If you had to guess, when do you think our children first begin to notice racial differences?
Separation Anxiety & Stranger Danger: How to Get through it with Confidence & Empathy
Has your baby or toddler hit the “separation anxiety” phase in their development yet?
How to Cope When Your Partner Has Postpartum Depression
What is it like as a dad or co-parent when your partner has Postpartum Depression or Anxiety?
3 Simple Steps to Quit Keeping Score in Your Parenting Relationship
Remember back when you had roommates and it was so easy to divvy up the chores list and make sure everyone paid their share of the bills? And if someone wasn’t pulling their weight, it was really clear, right?
New Dads: What is Your Role After Baby Arrives?
First-time dads, do you (or did you) ever feel like you’re unsure of what you’re supposed to even do in those first few weeks after bringing baby home?
Securing Childcare: Questions to Ask to Get the Best Fit for Your Family
There’s so much to think about just logistically: the research involved, phone calls to make, interviews to conduct, budgeting to figure out, and so on.
Summer Travel Plans? Keep Your Toddlers & Kids Occupied & Happy While Traveling with These Clever Ideas
Let’s be honest: the traveling to and from our incredible family vacations is not always so restful. Or even pleasant. Whether flying or driving, the challenges often the same--keeping our little ones content and occupied.
Creating Your Kid-Friendly Lifestyle: How to Work In All the Important Stuff from Boring Chores to Fave Hobbies
So often in my practice, I see women who are struggling with a loss of identity now that they're a mom. I also see many parents--both moms and dads--who feel like it just isn't feasible for them to continue certain activities.
Catherine O'Brien featured in PsychCentral's "Mothering Lessons" Article
Motherhood has a way of catalyzing change and growth.