So you had a fabulous maternity leave. You followed my advice and turned off your damn work email and created a maternity leave manifesto. You’re rocking this new-mom thing! Well, sleep deprivation may just win the battle when you return...
Read MoreHow not to be a submissive wife
A couple years ago, a friend informed me that since I’m not a submissive wife, I’m “destined for divorce.” Huh, I can think of lots of reasons why I might get divorced – and that ain’t one of them. Like...
Read MoreTurn off the damn baby monitor (and other sleep tips for moms)
One day your shiny, new baby will sleep. I promise. But for you, uh, sleep is now a glitter-covered unicorn. And I’ve heard those suckers are nearly impossible to catch. The months of painful sleep deprivation, accompanied by the fog...
Read More12 simple tips for better sleep on vacation
You’ve waited months for vacation. You’ve saved for it. You’ve planned for it. You’ve off-loaded all your work projects so you can actually enjoy it. Then you spend the first night tossing and turning. Even though you’re sleeping on the...
Read MoreChildren should be seen and not heard
You know the expression: Children should be seen and not heard. It’s total bunk. Do not build your parenting around this concept! You will live to regret it. Your kid will draw horses on the wall behind her bed. Or...
Read MoreWhy I’m getting the measles shot AGAIN
Brook should be in New York right now. Swelling with pride as she watches her 14-year-old daughter sing – at CARNEGIE HALL. But here she is, sitting at home. Because: anti-vaxers. You see, my dear friend has Lupus, and New...
Read MoreGlobal warming, I wanna fight you and your pesky friends
I was groomed to be a Republican. But my parents made a mistake and sent me to a hippy nature camp every summer. I relished in it: we spent 2 weeks in the woods learning science, taking hikes and exploring...
Read MoreThe one thing your kid needs to foster his creativity
We gave the birthday boy four matchbox cars. He was thrilled and my kiddo was proud. I looked at the mom and said, “I’m betting he has 50 more of those at home.” Her reply: “And he loves them. I...
Read More7 signs your kid’s got major FOMO
This is a pretty typical conversation in my house. Like every day. Smaller child, watching me hand older child a second piece of toast: “More toast please!” Me: “After you finish your eggs.” Him, 20 seconds later: “Finished!” Me: “You...
Read MoreHow to survive life with a newborn
Here’s your guide to survive all things new mom. Well, maybe not all things, but these are the most popular posts from MothersRest for prego ladies and mommas of newborns. All in one spot. First off, newborns like to poop...
Read MoreWhy can’t your kid write his own damn essays?
Let’s talk about teaching teens integrity. I was leafing through the glossy pages of my college’s alumni magazine when I stopped short. There was an article about a 20-something who made the Forbes’ Top 30 Under 30 List. Sounds pretty...
Read MoreWhy momma turns into the big bad, wicked witch of the west
“Look at my drawing of our family!” There was a PAUSE. Followed by my friend’s puzzled response: “Where’s the mommy?” “Oh,” her daughter replied, “She died.” #thanksDisney But don’t worry, Disney always offers up a female role model. She’s just...
Read MoreChick-fil-A, it’s time to start recycling
Chick-fil-A isn’t exactly progressive. Their cows probably think anti-gay is a charming relative: Wee luv Antee Gay! So I shouldn’t be surprised they’re anti-recycling, too. I just can’t bring myself to boycott them. Because, ladies, they do make a damn,...
Read MoreTo my husband on the 19th anniversary of our engagement
He read Proverbs 31 and bought me a ring. He drove home and stuffed it safely into his shoe in the back of the closet in his ghetto apartment. Because shoes are the proper deterrent within a complex where many...
Read MoreI just want my 18-year-old self to like me
Raise your hand if you’re like me – in the midst of the great midlife unraveling. It sucks, right? But I’m soldiering through it. Trying to redefine what success means. And that means lots of reflection. Like back to high...
Read More