Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 28 septembre 2017
Zodiac Signs Who Make Great Moms, Ranked From BEST to WORST
This article written by Christine Schoenwald was originally featured on one of our favorite sites: YourTango.
How good of a mom are you?
Do you know the zodiac signs who make the best moms? Sure, it's fun to do a ranking, but the truth is that every sign and every mother has their own unique style of mothering and their own special abilities at it. And even your horoscope can point out the best qualities you have for parenting.
When I was in college, there was another student whose mother still not only made her lunch but put positive notes in it such as "I love you" and "I know you'll succeed." I envied that woman for having such a loving and thoughtful mother. My mother stressed things like independence and taking care of oneself - still valuable tools to learn but without the emotional tie-in.
I respect my friends who are moms. They work hard to make sure to raise their kids right. Many of them are single moms and even though they seem to have double the work, they're doing a great job as their children know that their mothers have their back and they'll do anything for them.
Moms need to be so many things for their kids: an advocate, a supporter, a teacher, a caregiver, a driver, and a parent.
Some moms are "cool" and others are more traditional and try to instill those traditional values in their children. I know moms who homeschool and others who spend hours and hours searching for the best school for their children. From what I can tell, being a parent is exhausting, and as rewarding as they seem to believe parenting is, I know there are moments where the parents need a break.
As a parent, you need to provide shelter, food, love, and opportunities for growth. It's a tough job and not everybody is good at handling all the responsibility of being a mother.
But some zodiac signs seem a little more qualified for motherhood than others. Here are the zodiac signs who make the best moms, ranked from best to worst.
- PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces instill an appreciation of the arts in their children and they encourage their kids to be creative. A Pisces mom's kids will be sensitive, imaginative, and will learn to treat other people with kindness and compassion. Pisces moms will hand down a love of nature, a sense of pride in helping others, and an independent spirit.
The Pisces mom may not know how to teach their children to make their dreams a reality but they will support them the whole way as their children try to figure it out for themselves.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Pisces, as Written by One
- ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries moms keep the schedules of their children full of music lessons, sports, hobbies, social activities, and camps. Meanwhile, the Aries mom has a full schedule herself. She wants her children to be adventuresome and to not shy away from trying new things. She encourages them to face all challenges head-on and to fight for what they believe in.
She is occasionally blunt but almost immediately regrets it. Aries moms can be pushy with their kids and sometimes need to be able to listen and really hear what her child wants or doesn't want to do.
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving an Aries, as Written by One
- GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini moms can talk about anything with their kids - they often have the "sex" talk very early on. Gemini moms don't have any secrets from their children. Her kids have great communication skills and are very aware of what's happening in the world around them.
One of the things that make a Gemini mom so unique is her ability to understand her kids regardless of their gender or their age. Gemini moms give the best parties and have the best play dates (because they seem like a party).
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving a Gemini, as Written by One
- CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn moms will fight to the death for their kids. They are fiercely loyal and will always stand up for them. These moms do not mess around and take their parenting very seriously. They want to instill a good work ethic in their kids and for them to have discipline and focus.
You can be sure if their kids get an allowance, they earn it by doing chores and taking care of their siblings. Capricorn moms are most often working moms and sometimes have to be reminded to take some time for themselves, and not devote every spare minute to their family.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Capricorn, as Written by One
- TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus moms are incredibly patient - so much so that they sometimes come off as saintly. But make no mistake, Taurus moms are very real and down to earth. Taurus moms can be stubborn which can lead to issues when her kids get to the teenage years. If you've ever witnessed a stand-off between a Taurus mom and her teen, you know it's not pretty.
A Taurus mom makes sure that her kids have an appreciation of beauty and nature. Since a Taurus mom may be prone to overindulgence with food and spending, she needs to watch that she doesn't overfeed her kid or that they don't know the value of a dollar.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving a Taurus, as Written by One
- LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libras are great moms because they're so balanced and peaceful. They encourage harmony in the home and when there's discord between siblings, she's able to see each one's perspective in an argument and help the participants to find neutral ground.
Libra moms don't love having to be the disciplinarian and would rather be a friend than a parent but usually wait to be friends with their kids until they've grown up. The most important things that a Libra mom teaches her kids are how to share, how to feel compassion for others, and how to be good friends.
Read: 11 Brutal Truths About Loving a Libra, as Written by One
- CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A Cancer mom is protective and nurturing. In fact, kids with a Cancer mom know that they're truly loved and cared for. A Cancer mom is always there to listen to her child and help them to feel better. She wants her home to be a place of love and comfort and for her kids to be able to share anything with her.
When all else fails, a Cancer mom will make her child's favorite cookies or snack just so they know how adored they are. She's also great at being able to help develop a child's creativity and isn't shy about sharing her child's genius with the world.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving a Cancer, as Written by One
- SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius moms have huge hearts and want to share the world with their kids. They very likely start traveling with them at an early age. They inject a thirst for knowledge and a strong sense of independence in their children, as well as a wicked sense of humor.
Sagittarians make for fun moms and she knows that childhood is brief, so she wants her kids to enjoy every moment of it. A Sagittarius mom can be impulsive - one minute she's in the carpool lane making her way to drop-off, the next she's declaring that it's a beach day instead. She may not have as many rules as many of the other moms because she wants her kids to be their own people, not a carbon copy of her.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Sagittarius, as Written by One
- VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Whatever is broken, the Virgo mom is going to do her best to fix it, whether it's a toy or a broken heart. She has high expectations for her children and can be critical but she still loves them deeply, even when they fail her.
She's the queen of multitasking as she parents, works, volunteers, and still keeps a very clean and orderly home. She wants her kids to have discipline and to not give up when things get hard. A Virgo mom has perfectionist leanings and can ride her kids too hard if she's not careful.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Virgo (as Written by a Virgo)
- SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio moms are scarily intuitive and often know what's going on with their child before the child does themselves. Scorpio moms are big on loyalty, honesty, and protection, and as long as her kids tell the truth and look out for others, she's good.
Watch out if you insult her children in any way or you create a problem for them, for she'll fight harder for her kids than for herself. She'll put the needs of her family above her own and will passionately defend them whenever she feels they've been threatened.
Read: 14 Brutal Truths About Loving a Scorpio, as Written by One
- AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarian moms are all about not conforming and being true to oneself. She may homeschool her kids but will make sure they have some outside classes. She'll make sure that they know the importance of helping others and that her children are aware of important issues such as global warming.
The Aquarian mom will be sure to encourage imagination and experimentation in her kids. However, she will have very little patience for meltdowns and any kind of emotional display. She may need to be reminded that she can't assume her kids know that she loves them and that she needs to reassure them.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving an Aquarius, as Written by One
- LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leo mom is the most childlike of the moms. She enjoys playing with her kids and giving them generous gifts. She can, however, be self-absorbed and may put her own needs before her children's. Is she having that expensive party because that's what her son or daughter asked for, or is she doing it because it impresses the other moms?
She deeply loves her children but can have narcissistic leanings, thinking of her children as an extension of herself. She would have no qualms flirting with her child's teacher, even if it embarrasses her kid in the process.
More juicy reads from YourTango:
Why Everybody Crushes on You Based on Your Zodiac Sign
How You Deal With Being Single According to Your Zodiac Sign
The Secret Thing You're Good at According to Your Zodiac Sign
dimanche 12 novembre 2017
Zodiac Signs Who Make Great Moms, Ranked From BEST to WORST
This article written by Christine Schoenwald was originally featured on one of our favorite sites: YourTango.
How good of a mom are you?
Do you know the zodiac signs who make the best moms? Sure, it's fun to do a ranking, but the truth is that every sign and every mother has their own unique style of mothering and their own special abilities at it. And even your horoscope can point out the best qualities you have for parenting.
When I was in college, there was another student whose mother still not only made her lunch but put positive notes in it such as "I love you" and "I know you'll succeed." I envied that woman for having such a loving and thoughtful mother. My mother stressed things like independence and taking care of oneself - still valuable tools to learn but without the emotional tie-in.
I respect my friends who are moms. They work hard to make sure to raise their kids right. Many of them are single moms and even though they seem to have double the work, they're doing a great job as their children know that their mothers have their back and they'll do anything for them.
Moms need to be so many things for their kids: an advocate, a supporter, a teacher, a caregiver, a driver, and a parent.
Some moms are "cool" and others are more traditional and try to instill those traditional values in their children. I know moms who homeschool and others who spend hours and hours searching for the best school for their children. From what I can tell, being a parent is exhausting, and as rewarding as they seem to believe parenting is, I know there are moments where the parents need a break.
As a parent, you need to provide shelter, food, love, and opportunities for growth. It's a tough job and not everybody is good at handling all the responsibility of being a mother.
But some zodiac signs seem a little more qualified for motherhood than others. Here are the zodiac signs who make the best moms, ranked from best to worst.
- PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces instill an appreciation of the arts in their children and they encourage their kids to be creative. A Pisces mom's kids will be sensitive, imaginative, and will learn to treat other people with kindness and compassion. Pisces moms will hand down a love of nature, a sense of pride in helping others, and an independent spirit.
The Pisces mom may not know how to teach their children to make their dreams a reality but they will support them the whole way as their children try to figure it out for themselves.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Pisces, as Written by One
- ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries moms keep the schedules of their children full of music lessons, sports, hobbies, social activities, and camps. Meanwhile, the Aries mom has a full schedule herself. She wants her children to be adventuresome and to not shy away from trying new things. She encourages them to face all challenges head-on and to fight for what they believe in.
She is occasionally blunt but almost immediately regrets it. Aries moms can be pushy with their kids and sometimes need to be able to listen and really hear what her child wants or doesn't want to do.
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving an Aries, as Written by One
- GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini moms can talk about anything with their kids - they often have the "sex" talk very early on. Gemini moms don't have any secrets from their children. Her kids have great communication skills and are very aware of what's happening in the world around them.
One of the things that make a Gemini mom so unique is her ability to understand her kids regardless of their gender or their age. Gemini moms give the best parties and have the best play dates (because they seem like a party).
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving a Gemini, as Written by One
- CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn moms will fight to the death for their kids. They are fiercely loyal and will always stand up for them. These moms do not mess around and take their parenting very seriously. They want to instill a good work ethic in their kids and for them to have discipline and focus.
You can be sure if their kids get an allowance, they earn it by doing chores and taking care of their siblings. Capricorn moms are most often working moms and sometimes have to be reminded to take some time for themselves, and not devote every spare minute to their family.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Capricorn, as Written by One
- TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus moms are incredibly patient - so much so that they sometimes come off as saintly. But make no mistake, Taurus moms are very real and down to earth. Taurus moms can be stubborn which can lead to issues when her kids get to the teenage years. If you've ever witnessed a stand-off between a Taurus mom and her teen, you know it's not pretty.
A Taurus mom makes sure that her kids have an appreciation of beauty and nature. Since a Taurus mom may be prone to overindulgence with food and spending, she needs to watch that she doesn't overfeed her kid or that they don't know the value of a dollar.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving a Taurus, as Written by One
- LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libras are great moms because they're so balanced and peaceful. They encourage harmony in the home and when there's discord between siblings, she's able to see each one's perspective in an argument and help the participants to find neutral ground.
Libra moms don't love having to be the disciplinarian and would rather be a friend than a parent but usually wait to be friends with their kids until they've grown up. The most important things that a Libra mom teaches her kids are how to share, how to feel compassion for others, and how to be good friends.
Read: 11 Brutal Truths About Loving a Libra, as Written by One
- CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A Cancer mom is protective and nurturing. In fact, kids with a Cancer mom know that they're truly loved and cared for. A Cancer mom is always there to listen to her child and help them to feel better. She wants her home to be a place of love and comfort and for her kids to be able to share anything with her.
When all else fails, a Cancer mom will make her child's favorite cookies or snack just so they know how adored they are. She's also great at being able to help develop a child's creativity and isn't shy about sharing her child's genius with the world.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving a Cancer, as Written by One
- SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius moms have huge hearts and want to share the world with their kids. They very likely start traveling with them at an early age. They inject a thirst for knowledge and a strong sense of independence in their children, as well as a wicked sense of humor.
Sagittarians make for fun moms and she knows that childhood is brief, so she wants her kids to enjoy every moment of it. A Sagittarius mom can be impulsive - one minute she's in the carpool lane making her way to drop-off, the next she's declaring that it's a beach day instead. She may not have as many rules as many of the other moms because she wants her kids to be their own people, not a carbon copy of her.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Sagittarius, as Written by One
- VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Whatever is broken, the Virgo mom is going to do her best to fix it, whether it's a toy or a broken heart. She has high expectations for her children and can be critical but she still loves them deeply, even when they fail her.
She's the queen of multitasking as she parents, works, volunteers, and still keeps a very clean and orderly home. She wants her kids to have discipline and to not give up when things get hard. A Virgo mom has perfectionist leanings and can ride her kids too hard if she's not careful.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Virgo (as Written by a Virgo)
- SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio moms are scarily intuitive and often know what's going on with their child before the child does themselves. Scorpio moms are big on loyalty, honesty, and protection, and as long as her kids tell the truth and look out for others, she's good.
Watch out if you insult her children in any way or you create a problem for them, for she'll fight harder for her kids than for herself. She'll put the needs of her family above her own and will passionately defend them whenever she feels they've been threatened.
Read: 14 Brutal Truths About Loving a Scorpio, as Written by One
- AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarian moms are all about not conforming and being true to oneself. She may homeschool her kids but will make sure they have some outside classes. She'll make sure that they know the importance of helping others and that her children are aware of important issues such as global warming.
The Aquarian mom will be sure to encourage imagination and experimentation in her kids. However, she will have very little patience for meltdowns and any kind of emotional display. She may need to be reminded that she can't assume her kids know that she loves them and that she needs to reassure them.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving an Aquarius, as Written by One
- LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leo mom is the most childlike of the moms. She enjoys playing with her kids and giving them generous gifts. She can, however, be self-absorbed and may put her own needs before her children's. Is she having that expensive party because that's what her son or daughter asked for, or is she doing it because it impresses the other moms?
She deeply loves her children but can have narcissistic leanings, thinking of her children as an extension of herself. She would have no qualms flirting with her child's teacher, even if it embarrasses her kid in the process.
More juicy reads from YourTango:
Why Everybody Crushes on You Based on Your Zodiac Sign
How You Deal With Being Single According to Your Zodiac Sign
The Secret Thing You're Good at According to Your Zodiac Sign
vendredi 16 novembre 2018
There's a Retreat For Moms of Kids With Disabilities, Because Self-Care Is So Important
Parenting is hard, but parenting a child with a disability can sometimes feel like the most impossible mountain to climb. When a child has an invisible disability, like autism or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), their very serious meltdowns may look like a bratty child throwing a temper tantrum to others, but what many quick-to-judge people don't know is what's really going on below the surface. That particular child might be overstimulated by the loud music playing in the store or the screeching wheels of the grocery cart, and they simply can't take it anymore. Their emotional regulation skills are lacking, and all they know is that they need to remove themselves from the situation as quickly as possible. That child is not giving their mother a hard time; that child is having a hard time.
Judgmental and disapproving looks from strangers. Unsolicited advice about putting your child on special diets or using essential oils to "cure" their disability. These are things many parents of children with different special needs go through. It can be very frustrating, overwhelming, and exhausting. In those moments, it's so easy to feel like you're alone in this and that nobody else can or will understand what it is you and your family go through. It's also so easy to think that you'll never get a break.
That's why Penny Williams, a mother and parenting ADHD instructor, author, and journalist, created the Happy Mama Retreat, a retreat designed just for moms of children with invisible disabilities. "Early on after my son's ADHD diagnosis, support came in the way of online connections with other moms with a similar parenting journey. We found each other through blogs and Facebook. Three of us kept saying how awesome it would be if a bunch of us could have a weekend together, just moms who understand what it's like to raise a challenging child," Penny told POPSUGAR about how the Happy Mama Retreat came to be. "So we decided to try it, planned a day of speakers, and then put the word out on Facebook. We had 40 moms at the first retreat, and we all left with a renewed energy and a feeling that we're not alone. That was in 2012, and I've been hosting the retreat annually ever since."
At the Happy Mama Retreat, moms experience a well-deserved and much-needed relaxing and rejuvenating weekend away with other mothers just like them. They're able to hear from wonderful speakers about how to better practice self-care and how to fit it into their busy and hectic lives. At the next retreat, which is happening April 12-14 in Montreat, NC, moms will hear from Rose Reif, a licensed counselor, about "Things Moms of Kids with Disabilities Do that Feel Helpful, but Are Actually Robbing Them of Joy and Energy."
Moms can expect to relax and have fun with group activities, like a wine social, painting class, and Pilates. There's also time set aside for moms to relax and recharge by themselves. "When we started this retreat, we though it was about education, being pampered, and relaxing," Penny explained. "But what the moms have shown me over the years is that it's about a sense of belonging and connection - its about the community of support. Yes, the respite is great, but it wouldn't be the same experience alone. We are truly stronger together."
The support mothers receive from attending the retreat continues long after it's over. "We have a closed Facebook group just for moms who have attended the retreat," Penny continued. "We're able to speak our truth there and get support without judgment. Many of the repeat mamas who live close geographically get together during the year as well. For those who embrace it, it's a family, a tribe." Keep reading to see photos of some of the past retreat's venues and also check out the venue for the upcoming Happy Mama Retreat in 2019.
vendredi 7 décembre 2018
There's a Retreat For Moms of Kids With Disabilities, Because Self-Care Is So Important
Parenting is hard, but parenting a child with a disability can sometimes feel like the most impossible mountain to climb. When a child has an invisible disability, like autism or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), their very serious meltdowns may look like a bratty child throwing a temper tantrum to others, but what many quick-to-judge people don't know is what's really going on below the surface. That particular child might be overstimulated by the loud music playing in the store or the screeching wheels of the grocery cart, and they simply can't take it anymore. Their emotional regulation skills are lacking, and all they know is that they need to remove themselves from the situation as quickly as possible. That child is not giving their mother a hard time; that child is having a hard time.
Judgmental and disapproving looks from strangers. Unsolicited advice about putting your child on special diets or using essential oils to "cure" their disability. These are things many parents of children with different special needs go through. It can be very frustrating, overwhelming, and exhausting. In those moments, it's so easy to feel like you're alone in this and that nobody else can or will understand what it is you and your family go through. It's also so easy to think that you'll never get a break.
That's why Penny Williams, a mother and parenting ADHD instructor, author, and journalist, created the Happy Mama Retreat, a retreat designed just for moms of children with invisible disabilities. "Early on after my son's ADHD diagnosis, support came in the way of online connections with other moms with a similar parenting journey. We found each other through blogs and Facebook. Three of us kept saying how awesome it would be if a bunch of us could have a weekend together, just moms who understand what it's like to raise a challenging child," Penny told POPSUGAR about how the Happy Mama Retreat came to be. "So we decided to try it, planned a day of speakers, and then put the word out on Facebook. We had 40 moms at the first retreat, and we all left with a renewed energy and a feeling that we're not alone. That was in 2012, and I've been hosting the retreat annually ever since."
At the Happy Mama Retreat, moms experience a well-deserved and much-needed relaxing and rejuvenating weekend away with other mothers just like them. They're able to hear from wonderful speakers about how to better practice self-care and how to fit it into their busy and hectic lives. At the next retreat, which is happening April 12-14 in Montreat, NC, moms will hear from Rose Reif, a licensed counselor, about "Things Moms of Kids with Disabilities Do that Feel Helpful, but Are Actually Robbing Them of Joy and Energy."
Moms can expect to relax and have fun with group activities, like a wine social, painting class, and Pilates. There's also time set aside for moms to relax and recharge by themselves. "When we started this retreat, we though it was about education, being pampered, and relaxing," Penny explained. "But what the moms have shown me over the years is that it's about a sense of belonging and connection - its about the community of support. Yes, the respite is great, but it wouldn't be the same experience alone. We are truly stronger together."
The support mothers receive from attending the retreat continues long after it's over. "We have a closed Facebook group just for moms who have attended the retreat," Penny continued. "We're able to speak our truth there and get support without judgment. Many of the repeat mamas who live close geographically get together during the year as well. For those who embrace it, it's a family, a tribe." Keep reading to see photos of some of the past retreat's venues and also check out the venue for the upcoming Happy Mama Retreat in 2019.
mercredi 9 janvier 2019
This Photo Series Shows What Being a Mom Over 40 Is Actually Like, and We're Blown Away
After giving birth to her son Everett just after she turned 40, LA-based photojournalist Anne Sherwood wanted to show the world what motherhood after 40 actually looked like.
"I was inspired to do this project, as I'd met many older moms in LA, and I know delaying childbirth is the biggest trend in the US," Anne told POPSUGAR. "I am an older mom, so I focused on this group since it's what I know personally."
As soon as she began taking pictures of the 13 women and their families, Anne learned that all of the participants had one thing in common: they were especially grateful to be mothers.
"They really wanted to be moms and didn't know if they ever would be."
"I learned that these moms became moms all sorts of ways, but always out of love," she said. "They really wanted to be moms and didn't know if they ever would be. They seem very grateful to be moms and very appreciative of their kids. I found the older moms to be very secure in themselves and in their parenting, just as older people are a bit more sure of who they are."
Anne hopes that the women who see the photo series realize that motherhood is beautiful, whether you have your first child at 23 or 43.
"I want other women to feel inspired by these women," explained Anne. "These moms worked hard to become moms. Older men become dads often, and society rarely judges them. Younger moms have a lot to offer their kids, but so do older moms, including stability, time, and perspective. Not everyone plans to be an older mom. Sometimes life unfolds in ways we don't expect."
Read through to get a look at the incredible photo series and follow her on Instagram to see the rest of her work.
mardi 16 mai 2017
Mom Behind Genius Baby Food Pouches Is About to Make Your Life Even Easier
There's no question baby food pouches have changed the way we feed our kids. The portable "meals" have made breakfast, lunch, and dinner infinitely easier and more convenient, and have helped moms everywhere sneak more veggies into our kids' diets. For that, we have Shazi Visram, the founder of Happy Family, to thank.
Her genius (and healthy!) pouches have revolutionized my entire life as a mom of two, and now the brand is introducing easy options to support infants and nursing moms with their Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula and a line of Happy Mama Breastfeeding Support products.
So how did Shazi, a mom of two herself, start and build a baby product empire? And what's her take on the never-ending breastfeeding vs. formula feeding debate? Read on for her answers and to hear her smart philosophy for working moms.
POPSUGAR: What was the inspiration for starting Happy Family?
Shazi Visram: I saw an opportunity to change the way children were fed in our country with a warm, modern brand that offered high-quality nutrition through sustainable, clean food that moms could actually feed good about. At the time, a close friend of mine, a working mother of twins, was struggling to find healthy food for her babies in the traditional baby food aisle and I thought "there has to be a better way." When I looked at the marketplace, I found that the baby food market had not seen much innovation since the 1930s when it was created as a category to be convenient and cheap. Everything was highly processed, not organic, and lacked the beneficial nutrients to support a lifetime of wellness based on great quality, delicious whole foods. I saw the opportunity to support healthy eating habits in life from the very start.
PS: What's your work/life balance philosophy; or advice you can share for moms trying to make it all work?
SV: Being present in the moment. I don't really believe in mythical work and life balance where every day is just the perfect mix of all the right things. There are times when we are building that require more of us and times when we have more time to be with family and truly relax. I just believe we should make the most of whatever "mini-era" you find yourself in. I do my best to enjoy everyday life regardless of whether I'm working or with family.
PS: Why do you think breastfeeding vs. formula feeding is such a hot topic?
SV: I think most moms know about the obvious benefits of breastfeeding and have every intention of doing so, but I also believe that life doesn't always go as planned, and so many of us need to find supplements and alternatives to ensure baby is getting all of the right nutrition. It has become such a hot topic because there is so much pressure put on moms to be perfect, and there is a feeling of being judged as bad moms when they don't feel they are exclusively breastfeeding.
PS: What do you say to moms to encourage them however they choose to feed their babies?
SV: No mother or woman should feel guilt or shame. Period. Ever. They have just brought a new life into this world and are gearing up to care for their child forever. My hope in creating Happy Baby infant feeding platform, which includes breastfeeding support products, access to lactation consultants and Organic Infant Formula, is to put them at ease and mitigate some of the negative emotions they experience so they can focus on the positive. Happy Family supports parents on their feeding journey, no matter what they choose.
PS: Pouches have made feeding young children so much easier, what's another product that makes your life easier as a mom?
SV: My children are my best customers! My son Zane loves a lot of our snacks, specifically the Puffed Dino Snacks, and my daughter Asha, is just starting on solid foods. She loves our Happy Baby Clearly Crafted pouches, teethers, and puffs, and as a mom on the go, I am always happy to have plenty on hand.
PS: What's unique about your new infant formula?
SV: Breast milk delivers the optimal nutrition to a baby during his/her first year of life. However, many parents aren't able to exclusively breastfeed for as long as they would like and are unaware of what ingredients to look for when choosing an infant formula. At Happy Family, we are focused on supporting mothers and families through their journeys, and this includes educating them. A key area that is really important is infant gut health and the importance of nourishing the microbiome in the very beginning of life - it's a word many people are not familiar with, but that is gaining traction as more research is published. Our solution for new moms was to launch Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula. Working with nutritional scientists, we created formula modeled after breast milk, including dual prebiotic fibers that function similarly to the prebiotics in breastmilk. In fact, the new formula has up to four times more prebiotics than other organic infant formulas in the U.S. We wanted to offer moms who couldn't exclusively breastfeed an option so that they could feel good about the formula they were giving their babies.
Mom Behind Genius Baby Food Pouches Is About to Make Your Life Even Easier
There's no question baby food pouches have changed the way we feed our kids. The portable "meals" have made breakfast, lunch, and dinner infinitely easier and more convenient, and have helped moms everywhere sneak more veggies into our kids' diets. For that, we have Shazi Visram, the founder of Happy Family, to thank.
Her genius (and healthy!) pouches have revolutionized my entire life as a mom of two, and now the brand is introducing easy options to support infants and nursing moms with their Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula and a line of Happy Mama Breastfeeding Support products.
So how did Shazi, a mom of two herself, start and build a baby product empire? And what's her take on the never-ending breastfeeding vs. formula feeding debate? Read on for her answers and to hear her smart philosophy for working moms.
POPSUGAR: What was the inspiration for starting Happy Family?
Shazi Visram: I saw an opportunity to change the way children were fed in our country with a warm, modern brand that offered high-quality nutrition through sustainable, clean food that moms could actually feed good about. At the time, a close friend of mine, a working mother of twins, was struggling to find healthy food for her babies in the traditional baby food aisle and I thought "there has to be a better way." When I looked at the marketplace, I found that the baby food market had not seen much innovation since the 1930s when it was created as a category to be convenient and cheap. Everything was highly processed, not organic, and lacked the beneficial nutrients to support a lifetime of wellness based on great quality, delicious whole foods. I saw the opportunity to support healthy eating habits in life from the very start.
PS: What's your work/life balance philosophy; or advice you can share for moms trying to make it all work?
SV: Being present in the moment. I don't really believe in mythical work and life balance where every day is just the perfect mix of all the right things. There are times when we are building that require more of us and times when we have more time to be with family and truly relax. I just believe we should make the most of whatever "mini-era" you find yourself in. I do my best to enjoy everyday life regardless of whether I'm working or with family.
PS: Why do you think breastfeeding vs. formula feeding is such a hot topic?
SV: I think most moms know about the obvious benefits of breastfeeding and have every intention of doing so, but I also believe that life doesn't always go as planned, and so many of us need to find supplements and alternatives to ensure baby is getting all of the right nutrition. It has become such a hot topic because there is so much pressure put on moms to be perfect, and there is a feeling of being judged as bad moms when they don't feel they are exclusively breastfeeding.
PS: What do you say to moms to encourage them however they choose to feed their babies?
SV: No mother or woman should feel guilt or shame. Period. Ever. They have just brought a new life into this world and are gearing up to care for their child forever. My hope in creating Happy Baby infant feeding platform, which includes breastfeeding support products, access to lactation consultants and Organic Infant Formula, is to put them at ease and mitigate some of the negative emotions they experience so they can focus on the positive. Happy Family supports parents on their feeding journey, no matter what they choose.
PS: Pouches have made feeding young children so much easier, what's another product that makes your life easier as a mom?
SV: My children are my best customers! My son Zane loves a lot of our snacks, specifically the Puffed Dino Snacks, and my daughter Asha, is just starting on solid foods. She loves our Happy Baby Clearly Crafted pouches, teethers, and puffs, and as a mom on the go, I am always happy to have plenty on hand.
PS: What's unique about your new infant formula?
SV: Breast milk delivers the optimal nutrition to a baby during his/her first year of life. However, many parents aren't able to exclusively breastfeed for as long as they would like and are unaware of what ingredients to look for when choosing an infant formula. At Happy Family, we are focused on supporting mothers and families through their journeys, and this includes educating them. A key area that is really important is infant gut health and the importance of nourishing the microbiome in the very beginning of life - it's a word many people are not familiar with, but that is gaining traction as more research is published. Our solution for new moms was to launch Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula. Working with nutritional scientists, we created formula modeled after breast milk, including dual prebiotic fibers that function similarly to the prebiotics in breastmilk. In fact, the new formula has up to four times more prebiotics than other organic infant formulas in the U.S. We wanted to offer moms who couldn't exclusively breastfeed an option so that they could feel good about the formula they were giving their babies.
mercredi 5 avril 2017
How These Women Are Redefining What It Means to Be #RealMoms
Even if you don't ask for advice, it seems like everyone thinks they're a parenting expert and tries to tell you how to be a mom. But it's 2017, and Dove wants celebrate the strong women who are confident enough to believe in themselves and know that they are the experts when it comes to their own kids, not everyone else.
Dove's new line, Baby Dove, is hoping to put an end to the "perfect parent" stereotype. Through research on millennial moms, they found that we drastically need to expand our view on what parenting looks like. Their #RealMoms campaign in honor of their new launch not only celebrates the diverse women raising our next generation but sheds light on the pressure and anxiety they're currently facing.
After surveying 1,022 new moms, they found that:
- 72 percent of moms question if what they are doing is good enough and nine out of 10 mothers feel pressure to be a perfect parent.
- 84 percent of moms believe that the stereotype of the "perfect mom" is unrealistic and outdated.
- 44 percent of new moms don't feel that they fit the "perfect mom" role.
- 26 percent of new moms think that it is achievable to be the "perfect mom."
- 94 percent of moms say that while they love their babies, they love themselves and many other things as well.
- 83 percent of moms are happy to be identified as moms, but they don't want that to be the only thing that defines them.
- 84 percent of new moms trust themselves when making decisions about their children and over half say that they know what is right for their families.
How These Women Are Redefining What It Means to Be #RealMoms
Even if you don't ask for advice, it seems like everyone thinks they're a parenting expert and tries to tell you how to be a mom. But it's 2017, and Dove wants celebrate the strong women who are confident enough to believe in themselves and know that they are the experts when it comes to their own kids, not everyone else.
Dove's new line, Baby Dove, is hoping to put an end to the "perfect parent" stereotype. Through research on millennial moms, they found that we drastically need to expand our view on what parenting looks like. Their #RealMoms campaign in honor of their new launch not only celebrates the diverse women raising our next generation but sheds light on the pressure and anxiety they're currently facing.
After surveying 1,022 new moms, they found that:
- 72 percent of moms question if what they are doing is good enough and nine out of 10 mothers feel pressure to be a perfect parent.
- 84 percent of moms believe that the stereotype of the "perfect mom" is unrealistic and outdated.
- 44 percent of new moms don't feel that they fit the "perfect mom" role.
- 26 percent of new moms think that it is achievable to be the "perfect mom."
- 94 percent of moms say that while they love their babies, they love themselves and many other things as well.
- 83 percent of moms are happy to be identified as moms, but they don't want that to be the only thing that defines them.
- 84 percent of new moms trust themselves when making decisions about their children and over half say that they know what is right for their families.
mercredi 19 juillet 2017
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
samedi 30 septembre 2017
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
vendredi 26 mai 2017
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
dimanche 4 septembre 2016
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
mercredi 28 juin 2017
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
mardi 14 février 2017
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
samedi 16 septembre 2017
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
mercredi 8 mars 2017
The Most Powerful Thing You Can Say to Another Mom
A few weeks ago, one of my dearest friends lost her 21-month-old daughter forever when the sweet baby girl died unexpectedly and suddenly. My friend and I live on opposite sides of the country, so I took a trip to visit her for this past weekend. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck about what I was going to say to her and her husband. How was I going to find the words to comfort them? How would I avoid saying the wrong things? I wanted to find perfect words, and, as I am a writer, words happen to be one of the few ways I truly know how to express myself.
Except I was at a complete loss over her loss. Having two healthy children at home, I felt I couldn't truly relate to her pain, so how on earth was I going to be able to comfort her during a situation that I have very little experience in? Armed with a pocket full of Bible verses and a slough of rehearsed things to say, I walked into her home and could never in a million years have foreseen the life-altering and powerful words that would be spoken between us during our time together. Except the words came from her, to me.
From her. To me.
That's right. My friend, who at this point is proving to be one of the strongest people I know, said something during her time of grief that will forever hold a spot in my heart. It was a phrase so simple, yet it has hit a chord deep inside of me. As she was describing the events leading up to the death of her daughter, she tried to express to me her complete heartbreak as she held her sweet child in the hospital during the minutes and hours after she died. Describing the time only as her worst nightmare, she said to me with tears rolling down her face, "You're a mom, you know."
You're a mom, you know.
This phrase took my breath away - as well as any composure that I had managed to keep together up until then. Because it was at that point, with that phrase, that I was able to start to understand the magnitude of her sorrow. Sure, I was completely heartbroken for her before, as death is difficult for anyone. But I'll admit that I didn't fully understand my role as her friend or as a fellow mom. See, all this time I had been looking in the wrong places for the perfect thing to say to her while I should have just looked at our simplest bond: motherhood. And while I have not experienced the pain that comes along with losing a child, I do understand the joy that she once experienced from holding her child. And to lose that? There are no words
Except maybe "I'm a mom, I know."
Losing a child is every mom's worst fear - no matter who you are or what kind of mom you choose to be. In the days since, I've been keeping this simple thought in mind when relating myself to other mommies. Sure, we all have our different ways of mothering and raising our families, but we do have one thing in common: our hearts are directly connected to our children. It makes the whole mommy wars thing seem, well, totally ridiculous.
You're a mom, you know.
So as I went with my own mom, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, to her radiation treatment, I glanced over at the young mother of a small boy in the waiting room. He was maybe 3 years old (though it's hard to tell because he was so tiny). He sported a colorful Superman cape and a bland hospital mask as he sat cradled in his mom's arms. She said something quietly to him. My heart stopped. This mom ached for that mom. And the tears started to fall from my eyes despite me not knowing her one bit. Despite me only sitting in the waiting room for maybe 30 seconds. Despite my own mom sitting next to me about to have her own radiation treatment. This is crazy, I thought. I don't even know this woman.
But what I do know is that I'm a mom.
And later I was getting dinner at a takeout restaurant, and one of the employees was on the phone in the restroom. She was struggling to find a babysitter for her child while she finished her late shift. She was frantic. She was upset. She was mad. My heart skipped another beat, and the tears welled up in my eyes once again.
I know, I'm a mom.
As I went back to my mom's house, heartbroken over my friend's loss, my mother was trying to comfort me. Asking if I was OK. Me! She was the one going through radiation, I should be comforting her. And then it dawned on me as to why she was so worried about how I was doing.
She knows, she's a mom.
And on the plane on the ride home there was a new mom standing with her infant son nearly the whole four-and-a-half-hour flight because if she attempted to sit down, he wailed. She looked exhausted and frustrated. She checked her watch frequently, but she also kept on task all while kissing on his little bald head.
I know, I'm a mom.
See, it's a thread that unites us all. Helicopter moms. Free-range moms. Breastfeeding moms. Formula-feeding moms. Rich moms. Poor moms. Moms of sick kids. Moms of healthy kids. Moms. The crazy, heart-stopping love that we feel for our children runs deep through each and every one of us as moms.
And this knowledge is painful at times. It's why every sappy commercial brings us to tears. It's why we can't watch the news. It's why we get in the car and cry after we drop our kids off to their first day of school. It's why food allergies are terrifying. It's why our hearts ache when we hear about miscarriage or fertility problems. It's why we are up at night worrying about our teens. It's why the thought of our children eventually leaving the nest makes us weep into our coffee. It's why the death of another mother's child is so utterly heartbreaking . . .
It's also why we should always provide a blanket of support to all fellow moms. Not only to those who are suffering through the unimaginable pain of losing a child, but also to those mamas going through plain ol' rough times . . . and even those moms who are just having one of those days. Hug her, and if you are struggling to find the right words, all you may really need to say is, "I know, I'm a mom."
But you probably already know this. After all, you're a mom.
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