In Defense of Youth Sports

I’ll be the first person to tell you that I am exhausted from running my kids around to their various activities. Aren’t we all?? Even though I complain about it and I’m the first person to do a little rain dance in hopes that something gets canceled, I can’t deny all the good that youth sports have brought into my kids’ lives. 

There’s been a recent surge in various online communities about how we should let kids have unstructured play and how as parents we should stop filling our kids’ schedules. And though I agree that too much pressure can be put on kids at a young age to excel leading to burnout, and that unstructured play is a critical part of childhood development, I have yet to find any harm in letting my young kids play rec ball. 

When I look back on my childhood, some of my favorite memories come from playing sports. 

I want that for my kids. I want them to look back on their childhood and recall the joy of winning a game where they were the underdog. I want them to look back on rainy games and remember how much fun they had. I want them at age 25 to reach out to their friend they played soccer with in elementary school because they formed a friendship that has lasted years. I want them to experience the fulfillment that comes from working hard toward a goal. 

read the rest of this piece at knoxvillemoms.com.

Medicated Motherhood

I want to talk about a topic that is often stigmatized and shrouded in silence: deteriorating maternal mental health and medicated motherhood. As a society, we have come a long way in destigmatizing mental health issues, but there is still much work to be done, especially when it comes to supporting mothers who may need medication to manage their mental health challenges.

Motherhood is a journey that is both beautiful and demanding, filled with joyous moments and overwhelming responsibilities. It is a time when a woman’s emotions can soar to unimaginable heights, but it can also bring on the weight of anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. Yet, the expectation for mothers to be selfless superheroes can make it challenging for them to acknowledge their own vulnerabilities and seek the help they may desperately need.

And when mothers finally dosay they need help, they’re often met with guilt and shame. 

How do I know? Because that was me. I was a mother suffering through detrimental PPA and PPD who didn’t seek help for far too long due to sheer fear of how others would view me as an inadequate mother. 

read the rest of this piece on knoxvillemoms.com.

Mama, You Don’t Have To Travel For The Holidays

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy, togetherness, and making cherished memories. Yet, for many moms with young children (me included!), the thought of traveling during this busy period can be downright overwhelming. From the logistics to the expenses, it’s no wonder you’re feeling the weight of it all.

But take a deep breath, because in this blog, we will explore why staying put and celebrating at home might just be the best gift you can give yourself and your family this year. 

Read the rest over on knoxvillemoms.com.

I’m Not Sad My Baby Is Starting Kindergarten

As I sit here, contemplating the new chapter in my life that starts this week, I am filled with an unexpected array of emotions. My baby starts kindergarten this week and while some might expect me to be nostalgic or weepy, I am overflowing with excitement, hope, and an unwavering eagerness for the future.

This is not a moment of separation; it is a moment of celebration — a celebration of the life I’ve nurtured and the incredible person my child is becoming.

The years leading up to this moment have been filled with unforgettable memories, tender moments, and countless lessons learned (mostly on my part). I have watched my baby grow, evolve, and blossom into an independent and curious little boy. As the first day of school approaches, I am proud to say that I have done my best to instill in my child a sense of wonder, kindness, and resilience. Have I always done it right? No. But I’ve tried and that counts for something. I have witnessed his spirit, determination, and creative imagination, and now I’m eagerly waiting to see more qualities come to the forefront as he continues to grow.  

Read the rest of this piece at knoxvillemoms.com.

When Mom Goes Back to School

Back to school is on everyone’s mind right now, especially moms. We are downloading the supply lists, writing down kindergarten registration, figuring out which bus number to memorize, getting the kids shoes that actually fit, finding time for haircuts, trying to squeeze in a last little bit of summer fun, and wondering how the family will manage the back to school grind in August. Momming ain’t easy, and neither is schooling. 

Back to school means something a little different for our family this year because Mom is going back to school too. 

Yep. After six years of being home with my kids, I decided it was time to fire up the ole noggin again with an online Master’s program. A little over a year ago, I went back to work part-time in a completely unrelated field to my Bachelor’s in Biology, and y’all I’ve loved it. I had to learn the ropes through trial and error, sometimes by fire, and with the help of people around me. 

Read the rest of this piece at knoxvillemoms.com.