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Detroit Mom-Approved Guide to Women-Owned Businesses

July 14, 2026

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*last updated 6/08/2026

Here at Detroit Mom, there are two things we love more than anything else: supporting other women and supporting small businesses. That’s why we decided to create the Detroit Mom-Approved Guide to Women-Owned Businesses In + Around Detroit. We want to showcase all of the incredible women who have created amazing businesses in hopes that you’ll decide to choose them the next time you’re looking for any type of product or service.

This guide is ever-evolving and continuously growing so be sure to check back frequently for updates. We are so proud to feature these women-owned businesses and hope you decide to check them out!

BEAUTY + SKINCARE

Aesthetic Rx is a luxury Med Spa located in Novi, specializing in advanced aesthetic treatments designed to enhance natural beauty and confidence. We offer personalized services including Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, and customized skincare–all tailored to each patient’s unique goals. What sets us apart is our combination of medical expertise, artistry, and a warm, welcoming environment where every patient feels cared for and valued. Whether you’re seeking subtle rejuvenation or transformative results, our team is dedicated to helping you look and feel your absolute best.

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MORE BEAUTY + SKINCARE

beautiLofts | Various Locations

Beauty in Science Medspa | St. Clair Shores

Bellaroma Natural Skincare Boutique | St. Clair Shores

Blue Lilac Skincare

Body Shopp | Detroit

Brown Sugared Babies

Clark Soapery

Gotox Aesthetics & Wellness | Wyandotte

HBC Organics | Genesee County

The Lip Bar | Detroit

London Beauty | Ann Arbor + Brighton

NadyB Beauty Bar | Dearborn

Natural Red

PAINT Nail Bar | Rochester

Primp Beauty Bar | Plymouth

Rae Soap Co. | Westland

Regeily

Ruby’s Balm | West Bloomfield

Rustic MAKA

Skinphorea Facial Bar + Acne Clinic | Detroit + Royal Oak

SKN Medical Spa | Ferndale

Ullman’s Health + Beauty | Berkley

Wax Spa Studio | Birmingham

Wildflower & Company | Grosse Pointe

BOOKSTORES, LEARNING + KIDS

Hank a Roo Readings is a children’s book imprint dedicated to telling adventure stories that spark creativity and inner dialogue. Based out of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, their current award-winning books include To the Moon and Back, The Pirate Doctor, and The Guardians of the Garden. Hank a Roo Readings also offers consulting and coaching services for aspiring indie authors.

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MORE BOOKSTORES, LEARNING + KIDS

2 Dandelions Bookshop | Brighton

AMPed Learning Center | Troy

Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe | Grosse Pointe Park

Empowering Littles

Go Grow Playrooms | Canton

Happy Kiddos | Macomb County

Intentional Love Book

Just Between Friends | Livonia + Novi

KiddieKlub Childcare + Preschool | Rochester Hills

Learning Bug Preschool | Ferndale

The Literacy Camp

Little Threads Resale Shop | South Lyon

Michigan with Kids

Modern Natural Baby

Motor City Gymnastics | Troy

Renee Bolla

Sidetrack Bookshop | Royal Oak

Socialight Society | Lansing

CLOTHING + ACCESSORIES

Lauren Wilson is a mom of three children and the owner of LovePeaceThreads. As a creative soul, she started thinking of how she wanted to take leisurewear to the next level by creating cool threads that are comfortable for adults. She hand dyes the items herself and allows hers customers the option to use their own creativity by personalizing them. This allows you to wear your personal business logos, a special memory, an important saying or word, family names, hand written notes from loved ones, and much more. Her leisurewear includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, baseball and trucker hats, and beanies. She’s located in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The Little Design Co. is a Metro Detroit-based handcrafted leather goods brand established in 2013. Sarah carefully chooses each textile and designs unique, high quality, leather pieces with a timeless, natural feel. The Little Design Co. was born out of artistic expression and satisfying an internal need to create and to help provide the ability to pursue spontaneity and family adventure with Sarah’s husband and three kids. She believes it is so important to stay sensitive to the needs around her, financial and otherwise, and give to those needs as prompted through this business. She loves creating wearable leather goods while maintaining these three values of business.

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MORE CLOTHING + ACCESSORIES

4GOOD Permanent Jewelry | Macomb

Adorn Permanent Jewelry

All Hands On Design

Avabelle Boutique | Plymouth

Be Scene Boutique | Rochester

Bella Mia Boutique | Plymouth

Bow + Arrow Creations

The Butterfly Effect

Clothed Boutique

Conversation Pieces | Wearable Art

Courtney Fischer Jewelry | Royal Oak

Curvy Bird Boutique

Darling Earrings

Emily Prchlik Fine Jewelry | Berkley

Essbe: Permanent + Handcrafted Jewelry

Everlasting Links

Ferne Boutique | Ann Arbor + Bay City

Harper Maya Shop | Detroit

Hazel Blue Hat Bar

K. Carroll Accessories | Auburn Hills

Kiloh + Co. | Plymouth

Kitty Deluxe | St. Clair Shores

The Little Seedling | Ann Arbor

Madison Boutique | Plymouth

Mae Designs XO

Maisie Mae Boutique

Michigan Threads Headbands

Mixed Bag Studio

P.S. I Love You Boutique

Paris West

Rebel Nell | Detroit

Reware Vintage | Berkley

Sum Girls Boutique | Berkley

Urban Elm Boutique | Plymouth store coming soon!

CREATIVITY

Creative Play Studio teaches process art classes to kids ages 18 months to 11 years old. Their classes are tailored to reach each age group at their level. Their youngest classes provide art and sensory play experiences for kids and their caregiver. The preschool classes do the same but also begin teaching some art skills, techniques, and history, too. The older kid classes allow children to explore and create freely without the pressure or stress of a picture-perfect product. They allow moms to come and enjoy the youngest-aged classes right alongside their child without feeling like they have to basically take over and do the whole craft for them. Creative Play Studio brings classes to families at their location as well as at their Outdoor Art Space in New Hudson.

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AR Workshop | Ferndale

The Art Attic | Plymouth

The Art Shack SCS | St. Clair Shores

Clara’s Craft Boutique

The Craft Hut | St. Clair Shores

Epiphany Studios | Pontiac

Glass Action! Studio + Custom Design | Oak Park

Maggie Bug Supply

Motor City Woman Studios | Southfield

Paint’D – The Paint Bus | Detroit

The Painted Croc | South Lyon

ENTERTAINMENT + EXPERIENCES

Modern Social Detroit strives to revolutionize the social experience at your event with the world’s most beautiful, modern photo booths. Known for their perfectly on-trend yet timeless aesthetic, they capture gorgeous glam photos of your guests and provide you with a completely custom-designed social booth experience. Located in Bloomfield Hills and servicing the most premier events in Michigan and beyond.

MORE ENTERTAINMENT + EXPERIENCES

Aesthetic Play

Ashley Gray Creative Co.

Bacons Balloon Decor | Dryden

Darling Events, L.L.C. | Metamora

Dreamland Parties + Sleepovers

FlowerSmith Studio | Brighton

Iron + Light Collaborative | Detroit

Luxury Bounce Detroit | Detroit

Mercantile Fairs | Livonia

My Girly Party | Farmington Hills

Old Fashioned Concessions, Rentals & More | Sterling Heights

Pillow Fight Sleepover Company | Lake Orion

Studio Neue | Plymouth

Stuff-A-Bear Bounceland

Sweet Mitten Dreams | Rochester Hills

Taylored Events

That Balloon Glow

Zero Bar + Lounge | Jackson

FOOD + DRINKS

Karma Wellness Kitchen is a women-owned small business based in Michigan. They have created plant-based Indian superfood snacks and lentil meal kits without any additives and preservatives. Their Popped Water Lily seeds, known as Karma pops, are their best selling product as it’s gluten free and comes with many health benefits. Their vision is to create a sustainable and accessible healthy food future that’s good for our bodies and planet.

Located in Farmington Hills, Nancy’s cottage bakery specializes in custom sugar cookies baked soft and decorated with royal icing. Whether for birthdays, showers, corporate events, or any other celebration, these cookies add a personalized and delicious touch. She offers pre-orders for many holidays, and teaches public and private cookie decorating workshops. She would love to make your special occasion even sweeter!

Neehee’s is a unique and vibrant restaurant chain that offers a wide range of delectable and authentic Indian street food. You can find them in Canton and Troy. Neehee’s is also in Columbus, OH and Hanover Park, IL. Neehee’s has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike who crave the bold flavors and vibrant spices of Indian cuisine. From chaat to dosas, thalis to vada pav, Neehee’s menu has something for everyone. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its colorful and stylish décor, creates an experience that is both unique and enjoyable.

MORE FOOD + DRINKS

The BakeCurry

Bennie’s Homemade Goodies

Brit’s Baked Bites | Royal Oak

Cake Mitten | Clinton Township

Cookette

Cookie Creations by Jackie | Shelby Township

Drifter Coffee | Ferndale

Flavors of Jamaica | Pontiac

The Five Forks | Jackson

For the Love of Sugar | Detroit

Fresh Chef Detroit

Good Cakes and Bakes | Detroit

The Grazing Hour | Clawson

Gumbo’s | Mt. Clemens

Holistically Nutrition + Wellness

House of Cake Pops | Westland

Hummus Goodness | Southfield

Indulge by Jenn

J&W Ice Cream | Eastpointe

J&W Ice Cream on Wheels | Roseville

Jashan Fine Chocolate

Kendra La Crème Cookies

Lala’s Too | Brighton

Laura Rose Cookies | Commerce

Le Bon Macaron | Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, + Holland

Marmini & Co. Mobile Bar | Canton

One Tasty Pastry | Pinckney

Shree Sweets n Bakes | Novi

The Silver Shamrocks Cuisine | Oakland Township

Sofield Bakery

Spacecat V-stro | Ferndale

Spun Sugar Detroit/Spun Sugar Shoppe | South Lyon

Ssweet | Lake Orion

Sugar Honey Truck

Sweet Eats by Erin | Ferndale

Sweet Maes Desserts | Plymouth

Teeny & Biggs

Thyme & Honey

Utopia Sweets by Elyse | Huntington Woods

Whippin’ Dippin’ Desserts | Rochester Hills

HEALTH + WELLNESS

TRV|FIT Berkley is a welcoming, community-focused fitness facility dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal wellness goals. They offer diverse workout options including boxing, strength training, and high-energy group classes, all led by expert coaches passionate about making fitness fun and accessible for everyone. Their mission is to create a supportive environment where members of all fitness levels can thrive, transform, and feel empowered. Join them to experience a unique, transformative approach to fitness!

Michigan Pediatric Therapy delivers expert pediatric occupational therapy and craniosacral therapy (CST) in Farmington Hills, MI, facilitated by licensed and experienced professionals. Their comprehensive services encompass occupational therapy, feeding therapy, sensory integration therapy, oral-motor therapy, and craniosacral therapy. They help children struggling with picky eating, breastfeeding, sensory issues, and more achieve normal functioning skills. Rooted in experience and evidence-based practices, they empower children to unlock their full potential by addressing the whole child with tailored techniques. Their mission is to offer families a warm and supportive environment where they can learn about their child’s developmental needs and how to nurture their child’s capacity to succeed through occupational and craniosacral therapy.

Lil Dumplins, created and led by Shirel Jones, offers fun, engaging dance and play experiences for children under 10. Through ballet, music, and storytelling, Ms. Shirel guides little ones to explore their imaginations while developing coordination, confidence, and a love for the arts. Whether through in-person classes or online videos, Ms. Shirel’s joyful, interactive approach makes dance accessible and exciting for all children!

Michigan Family Doulas, Michigan’s largest and oldest certified Doula Agency, has expanded to become a full-spectrum family support agency with the addition of Michigan Family Nannies. Together, the agencies provide a seamless continuum of care, from professional birth and postpartum support to trusted, long-term childcare. Each professional is meticulously vetted, certified, and insured to ensure a consistent standard of excellence for your family. They specialize in providing non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. As a result, families receive comprehensive care and peace of mind at every stage of their parenting journey.

A faith-based women’s virtual functional nutrition practice, they have a background in personal training and are functionally trained in nutrition. They work with women for a completely holistic approach to their body and life addressing nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and nervous system support as well as functional lab testing when needed to get to the root of how they are feeling and help them reclaim their energy and ditch the daily burnout.

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Annamarie Green is an intuitive licensed therapist who offers a unique approach to mental health, blending energy work with psychology and therapy to make happiness more easier. Based in Michigan, Annamarie Green Co provides courses and 1:1 sessions that combine intuitive practices like energetic healings with traditional psychotherapy frameworks. Annamarie’s innovative methods were born from her own journey, when traditional talk therapy didn’t help her recover from the trauma of her partner passing away unexpectedly. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to emerge from darkness into a fulfilling life, simplifying solutions to mental health challenges.

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Sisu is a unique Finnish concept–a Finnish term that can be roughly translated into English as “strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity.” Katie is 50% Finnish, so the tradition and culture of sauna is in her blood! Sisu Mobile Sauna is an 8×12 foot traditional Finnish mobile barrel sauna, delivered for free within 30 miles of Livonia to private residences. They also offer pop-up event services, are available for corporate wellness retreats, and more! They do also offer the option to add on a cold plunge for a fee. Sisu Mobile Sauna is unique as they are the only mobile barrel sauna in Metro Detroit and are a women- and family-owned business.

The Nest Wellness Collective is a holistic wellness center in Bingham Farms dedicated to supporting individuals and families through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. We offer pelvic floor physical therapy, personal training, nutrition counseling, mental health support, educational workshops, caregiver & child movement classes, and more to support individuals at every stage of their journey. By integrating these diverse services, we create a comprehensive and inclusive space for healing, growth, and community connection. What makes us unique is our multidisciplinary approach, ensuring that every person receives personalized care tailored to their needs—whether they are preparing for birth, recovering postpartum, or simply seeking to feel stronger and more connected in their body. Rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and expertise, The Nest is more than a wellness center; it’s a community dedicated to empowering and uplifting every individual we serve.

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MORE HEALTH + WELLNESS

86 Plastic | Troy

Active Nutrition | Fitness, Nutrition, + Wellness Coaching

Alexis Adams Integrative Health | Integrative Women’s Health Guide

Ali Long Sunny Side Up Wellness | Milford

Allegro Dance | Bloomfield Hills

Barefoot & Free Yoga Retreats

The Barre Code | Various Locations

B.Bliss Wellness

Because Her Hands Care | Eastpointe

Birth Humanity

Brandi Thomas | Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Brooke Stone | Licensed Professional Counselor

Burn Boot Camp | New Hudson

Core (LP) Fitness | Berkley

Detroit Counseling Collective

Detroit Doulas

Detroit Yoga Lab | Detroit

DNA Wellness Co.

DownPup Yoga | Plymouth

Dr. Rachael Elizabeth | Physical Therapist + Women’s Health Coach

Erin Saba | How Mama Got Her Groove Back Postnatal Program

Essential Family Chiropractic | Farmington

The Giving Tree Collective | Oxford

Grace in Motion Physical Therapy | Shelby Twp.

Grace School of Dance | Jackson

Helping Hands Postpartum Support | Macomb, Oakland, + Wayne Counties

House of Reclamation

Hunter Pilates | Pinckney

Integro Health | Ferndale

Jennifer Watson Wellness

Joanne Mulhere | Therapist

Jump-A-Rama Gymnastics + Fitness Center | Canton

LaBreia Wilder | Certified Strength Coach

Live Latch Love

Live Light Birth & Family | Doula

Lovey’s Holistic Remedies

The Mama Coach

Metro Detroit Doula Services

Metta & Moxie | Pleasant Ridge

Michigan Massage + Wellness | Troy

Ohana Fitness + Wellness | Shelby Township

Peace of Mind Therapy | Berkley

Pelvic Core Physical Therapy | Ferndale

Pelvic Noire | Oak Park

Refine Physical Therapy and Wellness | Plymouth

RestoreHer Functional Wellness

Rooted Together Occupational Therapy | Huntington Woods

Rumble Boxing | Shelby Township

Running Lab Brighton | Brighton

Sarah Watson | LPC + Certified Sex Therapist

Soleful Wellness 29

South Lyon Nutrition | South Lyon

Strength & Soul LLC

Strong with Sarah

Sunny Squirrel Farm LLC | Oak Park

Suzette’s Masters of Dance | Shelby Township

Tranquil Touch | Birth + Women’s Wellness

TRV|FIT | Berkley

Walking Lightly (Refill + Zero-Waste Shop) | Ferndale

Welcome Home Yoga + Wellness | Detroit

XO Aesthetics | Shelby Township

HOME DECOR + GIFTS

Soul Roots Wax Company is based out of Brownstown, Michigan and offers a variety of hand-poured small batch candles, room sprays, and wax melts. Their products are inspired to escape reality by taking you back to a special moment in time or place. They are focused on their craft of creating simple, clean-burning, soulful candles from their heart to your nose. Each of their products are hand-poured small batches using fragrance oils that are free from phthalates and Prop 65 chemicals. Their candles are made from 100% American-grown soy wax and are free from paraffin and dyes. It’s their desire to share more soulful moments with others through the craft of slow burning, non-toxic candles, making emotional connections one sniff at a time.

MORE HOME DECOR + GIFTS

Applewood Candle Co.

The Artsy Umbrella | Berkley

Artworks by Amy

The Barakah Boutique | Canton

Birdy Boutique

Botanique Press

City Bird | Detroit

Come to Your Effin Senses | Brooklyn (coming soon!)

Jenny Paints By Hand | West Bloomfield

The Junk Drawer Mercantile | St. Clair Shores

Lettering by Kenisha

Liv a Little at home | New Haven

The Lori Jean

Luna Rose Candle Co.

Made in the Mitten | Royal Oak

Michelle DeLange Art

Michigan Roots Artisan Shoppe | Madison Heights

Michigan Slices | Canton

Morningails

Narradora Studio

The Paper Bungalow

Poesy | Royal Oak

Pop Fizz Klink Designs

River of Life Gifts

Riverside Vintage Market | Clinton Township

Sarah Emma Boutique

Simpkins Studios | Michigan Center

Soul Roots Wax Co.

Stella Kate Handmade

Stitched With Love By Lindsey | Macomb Township

Tillie’s Flower Farm | Plymouth

Two Board Girls

Wallflower Mercantile | Brighton

INTERIOR DESIGN + HOME SOLUTIONS

MORE INTERIOR DESIGN + HOME SOLUTIONS

Concetti Studio | Interior Design Studio

Floraculture | Garden Consulting

Grace This Space Interiors | Interior Design + Home Organization

Gunnar Olivier Design | Home + Garden Design

Hearth and Home | Handyman Services

Kendall Design + Build | Royal Oak

Maglothin Well + Water Treatment | Waterford

Reum Organizing | Home Organization

Serenity at Home | Home Organization

The Simplified Home, LLC | Professional Organizer

Tracy Picmann | Interior Design

PHOTOGRAPHY

Erin Goodrich is a published portrait photographer + videographer servicing Michigan and beyond with over a decade of experience focused on creative content. She is honored to tell your story whether it’s for branding, families, weddings, or editorial. Erin is here to capture your beauty, your emotional moments, and your passions. Striving to capture each individual’s personality is her specialty and she loves that she gets to freeze memories in real time for her clients.

Katie is the owner of The Jonesy Co., Michigan With Kids, and Lansing Mom. She offers family and motherhood photography services, business mentorships, brand photography, and more through The Jonesy Co. Michigan With Kids is a parenting resource bringing you awesome things to do with your kids. Lansing Mom connects and provides resources for mothers in the Lansing area.

REALTORS

Ashley helps busy and overwhelmed moms regain control of their family’s lives by guiding them through the process of buying their dream home and selling their too-small starter home. She helps them find a home that perfectly fits their unique needs and lifestyle, providing a nurturing and organized environment where they can thrive. She prides herself on doing this all while helping moms feel heard and understood in a way that only another busy mom can relate to!

The KP Collective is a boutique, women-led real estate team based out of @properties in Birmingham and serving all of Metro Detroit. They provide strategic buying, selling, and investment guidance backed by sharp market expertise and elevated, story-driven marketing. What sets them apart is their collaborative powerhouse team: each woman brings unique strengths, creating a seamless, aligned experience. With refined realness and precision, they help clients move with confidence.

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MORE REALTORS

Amanda Cousino

Ashley Jolley Real Estate

Erica Collica Swink

Gabriella Harrison | Harrison Group

Nicole Pelton

SERVICES

After just one session with Kenisha, you’ll feel that you’ve started to build your cultural capacity that will guide your diversity and inclusion plan, equity goals, and your anti-racism journey. She helps small businesses and individuals facilitate anti-racism and DEIB work around the state and nation, such as facilitating conversations, training, creating strategic plans, and consulting. You will find her trying to dismantle the disparities of black and brown youth in the child welfare system and teaching others lessons toward becoming anti-racist in everything that she does. In her personal life, along with this business, she runs a calligraphy business, Lettering by Kenisha.

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Albiona Rakipi is a parenting coach known for helping parents reframe their daily challenges, discover accessible solutions, and reclaim more joy and connection in parenting. She is the founder of the website “The Parenting Reframe” and hosts a podcast by the same name.

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At Heylo Creative, they’re dedicated to delivering exceptional creative solutions tailored to your unique needs. Let them turn your vision into reality using creative design, strategic planning, and unmatched expertise.

MORE SERVICES

A Life You Love Now

Academic and Behavior Consultants | Support for Kids

Alex Heide – Web & Design

Being the Change, LLC | Growth Consulting Firm

The Blonde Mom | Personal Stylist

Brooklyn Outdoor | Advertising

Courtney Opalko Etiquette, LLC. | Modern Etiquette Training

Curated Events Detroit | Event Planning

Essential Recycling – ER 4 The Planet | Pontiac

Gaines Family Tax Services

Great Lakes Resume | Resume Writing

Heylo Creative | Boutique Branding + Design Studio

The Inclusion Project | Speech, Language, + Communication Services

Kelly Houseman Counseling

Lauryn Laszczak | Somatic Business Coach

Lynnette Cretu | Brand Stategy

Milestones Pediatric Physical Therapy | Southfield

Motor City Sitters

MPQ Events | Event Planning + Coaching

Off Main Studio | Marketing + Branding

OMG Sleep | Pediatric Sleep Consultant

Pixell Bug | Graphic Design + Illustration

Rue | Detroit Female DJ + More

Sandy Speaks Therapy | Speech + Swallow Therapy

Smile Don’t Blink Photo Booth

Two Unique Caterers + Event Planners

The Wardrobe Editor | Capsule Wardrobes for Busy Moms

Wedded Perfection | Wedding Planning

Whole Self, Whole Child | Parent-Family Coaching

You + Me Catering and Events

We hope you love these local businesses as much as we do! They are truly some of the best gems in Detroit. Whether you’re looking for something to do, a gift, or something to make your life easier, this guide has you covered!

Are you a women-owned business and would like to be featured in our guide? Partnering with us allows your business to have more visibility with a large, targeted market made up of local families. Send an email to [email protected] for more information!

Detroit Mom’s Travel Series: Shores and Islands of Lake Erie

LaurenDalton

July 13, 2026

When you fall in love and marry a man from Ohio, over time you begin to conform to his Ohioan ways–one of those being that “up north” is now considered Lake Erie. My husband grew up coming to the shores and islands of Lake Erie since he was a baby, and shortly after we began dating I met his family there for the first time. It quickly held a special place in my heart.

Over the years we have stayed all along the coast line, from Port Clinton to Vermilion. We have taken our kids over to both Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island. We have had an amazing time each and every trip, and there is always some place new to explore. Also, did I mention that this beach trip to the shores and islands of Lake Erie is under two hours away from Metro Detroit?!

Sample Itinerary for the Shores + Islands of Lake Erie

Day 1

2:00 p.m.| Travel Time
The wonderful thing about this beach trip is that it is only about two hours away. Our check-in to our condo was at 4:00 p.m., so we chose to leave at 2:00 p.m., stop at Kroger for an order pickup, and then check into our condo.

5:00 p.m. | Beach
It has now somehow become a tradition with every beach trip we go on that the first night, the kids end up swimming in their clothes. Our night ended with dinner at the condo followed by ice cream.

Day 2

10:00 a.m. | Beach
My husband’s moms came up to our condo from mid-Ohio and we spent all day at the beach.

4:00 p.m. | Sand Bar | 54 McKinley St, Huron, OH
We took a drive to Huron, another beachfront community, to check out the house that my husband’s family was in the process of buying. We ended our night with dinner at the Sand Bar.

Day 3

10:00 a.m. | Lakeview Park | 1100 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH
My husband took the kids to Lakeview Park for a morning of play.

4:00 p.m. | Marblehead Lighthouse | 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH
Our trip would not be complete without a trip to take in the beautiful views at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park.

6:00 p.m. | Twin Oast Brewing | 3630 NE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH
This was one of the best dining experiences I have had in a very long time. There were different seating styles and locations all around the very large property. We ordered our food from a QR code and they brought our food out to whatever table we chose on the property. My kids loved running around, playing the games, and frolicking in the sunflowers.

8:00 p.m. | Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar | 1070 N Buck Rd, Marblehead, OH
We made a wrong turn out to the lighthouse earlier in the day, and when turning around, we saw the cutest ice cream shop, which of course my four-year-old WOULD NOT STOP talking about. So of course we had to end our night getting a sweet treat!

Day 4

9:00 a.m. | Jet Express |49 Jackson St, Port Clinton, OH
One of the wonderful things about the condo complex we have stayed at in the past few years is that it is right next to the Jet Express. We were able to walk from our condo, over to the Jet Express, and over to Put-In-Bay in under an hour.

10:00 a.m. | AB Cart Rental | 222 N Toledo Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
After landing on the island, we made our way over to our cart rental so we could cruise around the whole island with ease.

11:00 a.m. | DeRivera Park | 100 Delaware Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
We made a stop at the playground for the kids to burn off some energy and eat their packed lunch.

12:00 p.m. | Dodge Woods | 101 Thompson Road, Put-in-Bay, OH
We did our first hike of the day, which happened to be a story book walk put on by the Put-In-Bay Library.

12:30 p.m. | Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center | 255 Meechen Rd, Put-in-Bay, OH
Next stop was a trip to the nature center. The kids loved exploring the taxidermied animals and live turtles. We then did our second hike along the backside of the nature center.

1:30 p.m. | South Bass Island State Park | 1523 Catawba Ave, South Bass Island, OH
Would it be a trip to Put-In-Bay without snapping a picture with the big sign? There was also a nice playground and restrooms.

2:30 p.m. | The Boardwalk | 341 Bayview Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH
With a wonderful view of the bay, The Boardwalk had many different dining options all within the building to appeal to everyone.

4:00 p.m. | Perry’s Memorial | 93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH
Although we were unable to go to the top due to an issue from the bad storms the week before, we enjoyed taking in the views at the memorial.

4:30 p.m. | PIB Candy Bar | 170 Delaware St, Put-In-Bay, OH
Last but not least, our trip to the island ended with the kids picking out a candy from the PIB Candy Bar.

5:00 p.m. | Jet Express
We took the 5:00 p.m. ferry back to Port Clinton, ate dinner at home, and without a nap the kids were so tired and quickly headed to bed.

Day 5

10:00 a.m. | Beach
This was the nicest of our five days, so we chose to soak up the sun and have a fun beach and pool day.

5:00 p.m. | Saucey Slices Pizzeria | 90 Madison St, Port Clinton, OH
We got carry-out pizza for dinner. It was delicious and they have many specialty pizza options!

7:00 p.m. | Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar
Would it be an end to a vacation with one last late night ice cream run?

Attractions You Must Visit

Glacial Grooves | 739 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH
This national natural landmark is a must-see when on Kelleys Island. The grooves are 400 feet long and show how the massive glaciers helped create the Great Lakes.

Liberty Aviation Museum | 3515 East State Rd, Port Clinton, OH
A perfect spot for the aviation geek or historian in your life. This museum showcases WW2 aircrafts and memorabilia.

Marblehead Lighthouse |110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH
Marblehead Lighthouse offers wonderful views of Lake Erie as well as a water view of Cedar Point. You can also climb to the top of the lighthouse!

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial | 93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH
When in operation, you can take a trip to the observation deck which is 107 meters above lake level.

Portage River Paddling Company | 3134 W Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH
Daily rentals of kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes, along with group tours of the Portage River.

Favorite Coffee Shops

Brewed Awakening | 5485 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH
Along with decadent coffee, how does an egg avocado pesto bagel sandwich sound? Yum!

Coffee Express | 128 W 2nd St, Port Clinton, OH
Be sure to pack your patience because this popular coffee spot gets quite busy in-season. Be sure to also grab a slice of quiche!

Noddi’s Java | 196 Hartford Ave, Put-In-Bay
Right across from the playground! Stop in, grab a coffee, and let the kids play.

Taste by the Lake | 115 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH
Along with coffee you will find all sorts of tasty pastries, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches.

Favorite Places for Sweet Treats

Brummer’s | 672 Main St, Vermilion, OH
The kind of homemade chocolate shop that you can smell while walking down the street.

PIB Candy Bar | 170 Delaware St, Put-In-Bay, OH
From old school to new school candy, right on your way to the Jet Express Ferry.

Island Fudge Shoppe |109 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH
Mackinac Island isn’t the only island making amazing fudge . . .

Purple Parrot Ice Cream Bar | 1070 North Buck Rd, Marblehead, OH
The kids loved that this ice cream shop was shaped like a giant ice cream cone!

Scooter’s Dairy Bar | 425 Fremont Rd, Port Clinton, OH
Your good old-fashioned ice cream shop that is whipping up burgers and hot dogs too.

Restaurants You’ll Love

Boardwalk | 341 Bayview, Put-In-Bay, OH
With live music, four different bars, and different dining options which all having amazing food, what is not to love?

Kelley’s Island Wine Company | 418 Woodford, Kelleys Island, OH
A must-visit when on Kelley’s Island, especially with kids. Aside from the winery, the property also has the KI Cantina, which has excellent margaritas and many street tacos to choose from for you to enjoy while the kids play on the playground and pet the farm animals.

Saucey Slices Pizzeria
Hibachi pizza? Shrimp scampi pizza? Or just an original pepperoni? Saucey Slices has one for you!

The Wine Vault | 5581 Liberty Ave, Vermilion, OH
Sip on a glass of wine while indulging in the seasonally cultivated menu.

Twin Oast Brewing | 3630 NE Catawba, Port Clinton, OH
A must visit when in the area. This brewery is extremely family-friendly and offered me the best dining experience of our whole trip.

Bonus Tips to the Shores + Islands of Lake Erie

Many of the condos, hotels, and homes are right on the beach or have private community beaches.
Be sure to check out both Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay. Both are a quick 30-minute ferry ride away and you can easily spend a day cruising around on a golf cart, taking in the island beauty, and eating and drinking some wonderful meals.
With so much to see and do, I like to think of making each day a “mini day trip” to each region of the shores and islands of Lake Erie.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Check out our last travel series location: Boston!

I’m No Longer the Referee When My Kids Fight

Faten

July 12, 2026

I am not an expert on managing sibling conflict, but I am a mom dedicated to doing the research. In the past week alone, I have had three different conversations with three different mom groups, and somehow the same topic kept coming up: sibling fights.

It seems like such a complicated topic because most of the time, I find myself standing in the middle of what feels like a full-on brawl, wondering: Do I interfere? Do I let them figure it out? Do I stop it immediately? Is this normal? Is this healthy?

I have so many questions, and I know so many moms are in the same boat. I have three kids, ages 14, 10, and 9. Each one has a different personality, a different temperament, and a different way of reacting when they feel frustrated, left out, annoyed, or unheard. And all of that plays a role.

With my background in social work, I went into this research with one hypothesis: siblings will fight, and sometimes they need space to problem solve. But I also wanted to know when parents should step in, how we should step in, and what actually helps children learn conflict resolution instead of just stopping the fight in the moment. Here’s an overview of everything I learned from my research:

1. Pause + assess before jumping in.

One of the most helpful things I found was that not every sibling fight needs the same response. Some moments are bickering, some are power struggles. Some are emotionally intense, and some are unsafe. (If there is hitting, name-calling, intimidation, or one child overpowering the other, step in immediately.)

Letting kids “work it out” does not mean allowing one child to dominate or harm the other. Is anyone physically unsafe? Is one child being repeatedly targeted? Is this typical arguing, or is it becoming aggressive? Are they trying to work it out, or are they escalating?

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that sibling rivalry is normal, but the goal is to define what behavior is acceptable and what is not. I have found myself in this situation many times, reacting before assessing whether it actually needed my involvement. Most of the time it ends with me feeling frustrated and burned out. Meanwhile, my children already moved on, which often means the situation didn’t need my reaction in the first place.

Being mindful of the specific situation is important, and I continue to remind myself of that. So much of my healing journey centers around pausing instead of simply reacting. Knowing that the first step is to slow down and assess the situation feels reassuring; it’s a skill I’ve already worked hard to develop.

It is important to communicate this step to your children too. Simply telling them, “I’m going to pause before I jump in. Are you both safe? Can you solve this respectfully on your own, or do you need help?” allows them to learn the process alongside you. This encourages them to think critically about the situation, and also helps them develop important problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills that they can carry with them as they grow.

2. Emotion coach before problem solving.

Dr. John Gottman’s emotion coaching approach focuses on helping children name and understand their emotions before trying to fix the problem. The steps include noticing the emotion, seeing it as a chance to connect, listening, naming the feeling, and then setting limits while helping them problem solve.

In sibling fights, this may look like:

Get low and calm your own body first.
Name what you see: “You both seem really frustrated.”
Validate both sides without choosing a winner: “You wanted the toy, and felt like he took it. You wanted a turn and felt ignored.”
Set the boundary: “I won’t let you hit or scream in each other’s faces.”
Guide them toward a solution: “What can we do next time when you both want the same thing?”

This approach shifts us from referee to coach. Every mom knows the feeling of playing referee all day long. One child says, “Mom, she started it,” while another insists, “Mom, she hit me first.” The cycle goes on and on, and before you know it, you find yourself constantly stepping in and redirecting.

Instead, I hope to intentionally set the tone as an emotion coach. This step is crucial because it helps us get to the root of what is really happening instead of getting stuck in an endless loop of blame and accusations.

Being an emotion coach is not easy. It requires us to be aware of our emotions while also recognizing and understanding our children’s emotions. It means being able to see the situation from each child’s perspective, which is often key to helping them feel heard and validated. Filling that emotional need may be one of the most important steps in addressing some of the root causes of sibling conflict in the first place.

3. Help each child feel heard.

Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings, recommends intervening in a way that helps each child feel heard, reflect on what happened, and hear the other child’s perspective. When I first read this book, I found myself highlighting almost every page because I knew its lessons would be crucial in shaping how I support and nurture my children’s relationship with one another.

A step-by-step approach to this looks like:

Stop unsafe behavior: “I won’t let you hit.”
Separate if needed: “We’re going to take a minute to calm our bodies.”
Let each child speak without interruption: “I want to hear from each of you. One person talks, then the other.”
Reflect back what you heard: “So you felt left out when they started playing without you.”
Ask: “What do you think your sibling was feeling?”
Help them repair: “What can you do to make this right?”

The goal is not forced apologies, because we all know that a child who simply says “sorry” doesn’t always mean it. Sometimes, our immediate reaction is simply to tell them to “say sorry” so we can move on. However, the goal is more than just to “say sorry”; it is repair, reflection, and responsibility.

I really wish I had read this book sooner. There were so many “aha” moments throughout it. My biggest takeaway was learning how to be less judgmental and more gentle in my approach. In the midst of a sibling conflict, we can often feel triggered ourselves. I’m learning that it’s okay to step away, regulate my own emotions, and then come back to the situation with a calmer perspective. Doing so allows me to repair and respond in a way that is healthier for both myself and my children.

4. Create family rules before the fight happens.

One of the biggest takeaways from the research is that we cannot expect kids to problem solve well in the middle of emotional chaos if we never taught the skill when everyone was calm. Child Mind Institute recommends setting clear ground rules ahead of time, especially around common triggers like sharing, screen time, turns, space, and parental attention.

Family meetings are a big part of our family. When I find myself repeatedly redirecting my children on the same issue, I know it is time to address the underlying problem rather than continue managing the symptoms. The best way I have found to do this is by bringing everyone together to brainstorm solutions as a family.

Children are far more likely to follow rules they helped create. They feel heard, valued, and part of the solution rather than feeling lectured or talked at. These meetings also give everyone an opportunity to share their perspective in a safe and respectful way.

During our family meetings, we discuss questions such as: “What are the things we fight about the most?” “What rule would help us handle this better?” and “What should we do when two people want the same thing?” Together, we come up with solutions that everyone can agree on and commit to following.

Some important ground rules that we have established in our own family meetings include:

In our family, we can be mad, but we cannot hit.
We can disagree, but we cannot call names.
If two people want the same thing, we use a timer, take turns, or make a plan.
If you need help, you can ask for a parent before it becomes a fight.

What I’m Taking Away

After reading the research and thinking through what I want to practice in my own home, I feel a little more grounded in how to approach sibling conflicts. Some main action steps I’ve learned include:

I will step in when there is physical aggression, repeated targeting, or emotional harm.
I will continue allowing space for problem-solving when the conflict is minor and they seem capable of working through it.
I will make adjustments by teaching conflict-resolution skills when everyone is calm, not only when everyone is already escalated.
I will also remind myself that my job is not to prevent every argument. My job is to help my kids learn how to argue, repair, listen, and respect each other.

Every household has a different dynamic, and every child is different. What works for one family may not work for another. So I’m leaning into flexibility. I’m trying new approaches. I’m reminding myself that sibling conflict does not mean I am failing as a mom. It means my children are learning how to be in relationship with each other, and will one day carry these skills into their personal relationships. I also want to remind myself and other moms that like most parts of motherhood, we are learning right alongside them.

Looking for fun ways to make the most of summer? Check out our Mom Summer Bucket List, because you deserve fun, too!

Pregnancy Isn’t a Professional Liability

Kailyn Boggess

July 10, 2026

Pregnancy isn’t a professional liability! At the time of writing this, I’m eight months pregnant and I just received a full-time job offer. I’m still letting that sentence land. Ten years ago, I don’t think this would have happened. Not in the same way or with the same confidence from an employer. Or, without the quiet assumptions, the hesitation, the unspoken concerns about timing, commitment, or inconvenience.

So much of my early adulthood was shaped by the subtle messaging that womanhood and ambition existed in tension with each other. That there was always a trade-off. That pregnancy made you a workforce liability. That motherhood meant shrinking your professional identity. Today, I experienced something different. I was seen for my experience. My skills, my body of work, my voice, and my leadership. Not my due date. And I can’t stop thinking about how meaningful that is for women.

This moment isn’t just about me. It’s about the women who came before me and pushed, demanded, documented, organized, negotiated, and showed up anyway. It’s about the policies that changed because they had to. It recognizes the cultural shifts that are still imperfect but undeniably real. It’s about younger women watching this happen and internalizing a new possibility.

What I learned through this experience is that opportunity and pregnancy don’t have to be at odds and there are concrete steps women can take to ensure they’re seen for their value, not their timing.

Tips to Help Moms in the Workforce

Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, changing careers, balancing work and family life, or simply looking for your next opportunity, it’s important to remember that your experience matters. The skills developed through motherhood often translate directly into workplace strengths, even if they don’t always appear on a traditional resume. Before diving into these tips, give yourself credit for the adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving abilities you’ve developed along the way.

1. Lead with workforce skills, not timelines.

Your resume doesn’t need to explain why you stepped away or why you might need to, only what you can do now. Put your strongest, most relevant skills at the top and let experience speak before dates.

And speaking of skills, it’s time for a mindset shift. You’re not “returning” to work. You’re bringing value.

Managing a household → Project & time management
Budgeting groceries/bills → Financial planning
Coordinating school, appointments, and activities → Operations & logistics
Conflict resolution with kids → Negotiation & emotional intelligence

2. Target flexible-friendly roles on purpose; gain experience where you can.

Not every job is hostile to pregnancy or parenting. Stop applying to the ones that are. For me, I have spent eight years writing as a contributor at Detroit Mom, and the skillset and experience it has given me is invaluable and has added a robust skillset to my resume while enhancing my village. Look for roles that flip the script on traditional career paths:

Remote or hybrid roles
Contract, freelance, or project-based work
Companies that publicly support parental leave and flexibility
Start with small contracts or part time roles that support your family schedule

3. Update your skills before you apply.

A short course, certification, or recent project can quiet the “gap” conversation instantly. Bonus: it gives you confidence and proof that you’re current and not “out of the loop.” But also, don’t undersell your skills: that side hustle speaks to your inner-entrepreneur. That contributor group you write for showcases your commitment (Hi, Detroit Mom!). And, that networking group has elevated your experiences!

4. Own your story without overexplaining.

You don’t owe anyone a personal disclosure. If asked about a workforce career pause: “I took time to focus on family while continuing to develop relevant skills, and I’m excited to apply them in this role.” Calm. Professional. Closed sentence, no further explanation.

5. Network like a human, not a job seeker.

Most jobs are landed through conversations, not applications. You’re not asking for favors, you’re reopening doors. Start with former coworkers, parents in your community, and LinkedIn connections you already know (and keep it updated no matter what!). Yes, that mom group with so many different personalities can also be a great source, along with the school drop-off line . . . I said what I said!

6. Practice confidence, not perfection

Pregnant women and moms are often overqualified but under-confident. Apply anyway. Let them decide. You don’t need to:

Have every requirement
Wait for the “right time”
Prove you won’t need accommodations

Moms Belong in the Workforce: You Don’t Need Permission to Be Qualified

You don’t have to pause your worth because your body is doing something miraculous. You don’t have to choose between building a family and building a career in the workforce. And you don’t have to apologize for existing in both spaces. I’m grateful, humbled, and emotional. And I’m proud to be living in a moment where my pregnancy didn’t close a door. It opened one.

“The future of leadership looks less like corner offices and more like women building from kitchen counters while handing out snacks. It looks like moms who lead meetings on Zoom while a toddler climbs into their lap. It looks like women who are raising little humans and raising big dreams at the same time.” -Aleksandra Heide, a local Detroit Mom

This is the experience that lends a true skillset to the workforce in this century.

Moms are here to redefine it all. Check out the quote above and more from local mom Aleks when she shares what she wishes she knew about motherhood, mom guilt, + owning a business.

Don’t Put Your Dreams on Hold | orsa’s HELOC is Here for You

Detroit Mom

July 7, 2026

Being a mom is a balancing act that never stops: juggling school drop-offs, grocery costs that keep climbing, and trying to save for college while paying for daycare—and then there’s your house. The leaking roof, the kitchen you’ve wanted to redo for years, and the spare bedroom that you’ll need to turn into a nursery soon.

When you’re already stretched thin, finding extra cash for your home feels . . . impossible. You end up putting things off until they become emergencies, or you dip into savings meant for your family’s future just to patch things up. It’s a lot to handle.

That’s why we’re always happy to work with orsa credit union™. They know what moms need, because they’ve been there. The home repairs, the crazy kids, the whole nine yards. Unlike a giant bank, they can relate.

Moms, Don’t Put Your Dreams on Hold

orsa has put a lot of work into mom-focused financial tools designed to make life less hectic and your wallet happier. Now, they’re rolling out lower Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) rates that can help get your home caught up to your family’s needs without adding to the financial stress.

What’s a HELOC?

A HELOC, a.k.a. Home Equity Line of Credit, is a flexible type of loan that lets you borrow against the equity you’ve built up in your home. Think of it like a credit card tied to your house—with more control and terms that are typically much more reasonable.

Here’s how it works:

You get approved for a certain amount based on your home’s value and how much you owe on your mortgage.
During the draw period (five years at orsa), you can borrow what you need, when you need it—and only pay interest on what you use.
Once the draw period ends, you enter the repayment phase, where you start paying back principal plus interest.

It’s perfect for moms who need flexibility—because let’s face it, parenting rarely goes according to plan.

orsa’s New HELOC Rates: Making Home Equity More Affordable for Moms

orsa’s new HELOC rates make accessing your home equity easier than ever—especially if you’re already part of the orsa community.

Here’s what’s included:

Rates as low as 4.75% APR for existing HELOC holders
Rates as low as 5.25% APR for new HELOC applicants
No fees—yes, really. No application fee, no annual fee, no hidden surprises
Up to 100% of your home’s value available to borrow (depending on your situation)

Already have some expenses in mind? You can calculate how much you could qualify for at orsacu.org/heloc-promo.

Why This Matters for Families

Let’s talk about why this matters so much for moms managing busy households and growing families.

Common Benefits of HELOCs

Flexibility: Borrow only what you need when you need it. Perfect for unpredictable home expenses.
Lower interest rates: Compared to credit cards or personal loans, HELOCs often come with more manageable rates.
Tax advantages: In some cases, interest paid on a HELOC used for home improvements may be tax-deductible (consult your tax advisor).
Build credit responsibly: Using a HELOC wisely can potentially help improve your credit score over time.

Smart Ways Moms Can Use a HELOC for Their Homes

There are quite a few ways moms can use a HELOC for their homes. Here are some ideas:

Tackle repairs before they become emergencies: That leaky roof? The cracked driveway? The HVAC system that’s acting up? A HELOC lets you fix these issues proactively instead of scrambling when they break down completely.
Upgrade spaces your family actually uses: Need a taller backyard fence now that your dog isn’t a puppy anymore? Want to finish the basement for teen hangouts or add a playroom? A HELOC funds these projects without derailing your monthly budget.
Free up cash for other family priorities: Instead of draining your savings account to pay for a kitchen remodel or new flooring, use a HELOC to spread the cost over time. That way, you keep your emergency fund intact for the upcoming family costs just around the corner.
Increase your home’s value, stress-free: Small updates, like refinishing hardwood floors, updating bathrooms, or improving curb appeal, can boost your home’s resale value—and feel a lot more manageable when the cost is spread out over time.

Made for Mom, Because You Were Made for More

We know what it’s like to try to balance finances while keeping everyone fed, clothed, educated, and happy. That’s why we love seeing institutions like orsa step up and offer solutions that actually fit real life. They design everything with moms in mind, because they’re right here with us. Making the most out of all of life’s moments, because we were made for more.

You shouldn’t have to choose between fixing up the house and saving for the future—or stress about high fees and confusing terms. And you definitely shouldn’t have to wait until next year to tackle that long-overdue kitchen remodel.

Because sometimes, the best thing you can do for your family is invest in your home—and yourself.

Ready to See How Much You Qualify For?

Remember: being a mom doesn’t mean sacrificing your peace of mind. With orsa, you’ve got a partner who gets it.

See how much you can unlock at orsacu.org/heloc-promo. It takes less time than packing lunches . . . and way less stress.

Dear Mom In The Waiting Room

Megan Jalbert

July 6, 2026

Dear mom in the waiting room,

No one talks about the time spent in motherhood waiting. Every mother has to sit in a waiting room at some point with their child . . . whether it be for a wellvisit or to find out what the next virus they brought home from school is.

Waiting rooms can physically and mentally affect moms. Waiting with children is not time spent decompressing; it is often spent with feelings of worry, love, and exhaustion.

Please Don’t Touch Anything

Every pediatric waiting room is filled with germs. It is inevitable that your child will want to touch the books with pages that have been flipped by hundreds of hands. They will want to put their fingers on fish tank glass in the middle of the waiting room. The most popular toy with wooden beads and wire mazes keeps the young ones’ minds going, all while you are thinking of what virus they are going to come down with in three days.

It is okay to feel anxious. We all have felt it and quickly told our child to not touch anything–fully knowing they are not going to listen. Keep the hand sanitizer in your diaper bag. Visit the restroom on your way out and wash the germs off their hands, which will more than likely end up in their mouth as soon as you buckle them into their carseat.

How Long Have We Been Here?

Whether you are a mother with a child during the winter virus months, or a mother of a child with a chronic health condition, every minute feels like hours when you are sitting in a waiting room. If we counted up every minute that we have spent waiting to be called back for an appointment, it would probably amount to days (or even weeks). As a mother, every second counts as we often are trying to entertain a young one with snacks, teethers, even screens all while sweating with anxiety and worry that we are a disruption to others who are sitting quietly.

If there is an option for early appointments you are more likely to wait less as the doctors haven’t fallen behind yet. On the flip side, if you get an appointment toward the end of the day, staff are often moving efficiently as they are ready to get home to their own families.

Am I Overreacting?

Over the past year I have asked myself this question on numerous occasions. (Even as a pediatric nurse with over a decade and a half of experience, I doubt myself.) More often than not, your child will suddenly perk up at the pediatrician’s office. Their cough will mysteriously go away. There will always be parents that take their child to the doctor more than they should and parents who will ignore symptoms and not go enough.

Healthcare is so overcrowded that there is less and less time for a doctor to spend time educating. Many of us will get our information off the internet. By going down the Dr. Google rabbit hole though, we start to doubt ourselves. We sit in the waiting room with those thoughts racing in our minds. Doctors are there for us to come to when we do not have the experience or answers to help our children. It is easier said than done, but do not feel like you are a burden or overreacting. It is their job to help us.

I Wish Someone Would Ask How I Was Doing

Our child is the focus when we take them to an appointment. But what about us? We have to take off work or call in sick to get them there. Packing the diaper bag with essentials in case the appointment is during feeding times. Remembering to write the follow-up appointment in our planner. There is so much invisible load to carry. The physical toll of packing up and walking into the appointment is the easy part. It is the mental toll that starts to build up.

After our 40th appointment last year, I remember sitting in the chair in room eight holding my son. We had just left the office a week previously from his one year wellvisit. As soon as the doctor opened the door, she could see it in my face. Just the shake of her head sent me into tears. She put her hand on my shoulder and told me it was just a season and we would get through this. She asked me to tell her what I was feeling and if there was anything she could do. That simple act meant everything to me: she recognized that motherhood is hard.

Fast forward to just after the new year and we were back. We saw a different pediatrician and as soon as he confirmed that my son did indeed have his third ear infection in three months, the tears started flowing. That doctor didn’t put his hand on my shoulder. He did not stop examining my son to look me in the eyes and acknowledge me. He simply told me that it is winter, all kids get sick until they are adolescents, and he will be stronger from it. This doctor’s reaction is exactly why mothers struggle with being vulnerable and acknowledging that motherhood is hard.

You’re Not the Only One

No matter if you are a mother that only has to visit a doctor for wellvisits or you are on your fifth virus this season, the waiting room can affect you both physically and mentally. You are not alone in feeling the emotions you feel. There are thousands of other mothers who are feeling the same way you do.

Sincerely,

A mother who waited 47 times in a waiting room last year

Feeling burnt out from doctors visits? Renee shares some ideas to carve out some time for self-care for moms.

Detroit Mom’s Travel Series: Marquette

KarissaPfeffer

July 2, 2026

I might be a bit biased when I tell you Marquette in the summer is one of the BEST places to travel–because I am from there. I was born and raised in Marquette and I spent my first eighteen years of life there. Then I ventured further north to go to college at Michigan Tech. After college, I transplanted to the Metro Detroit area thanks to my college boyfriend at the time. And while I absolutely love being “down state,” Marquette will always be HOME to me.

Marquette is the biggest town in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), home to about 22,000 people. It is nestled on the shore of Lake Superior. It’s home to the Northern Michigan Wildcats (NOT Marquette University, which is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!). It became a village in 1849 and was founded for the iron industry, which is still a prevalent industry for the U.P. economy today. You can see the history when you walk through charming downtown as well as the ode to the iron ore with the old ore dock as a staple fixture at Marquette’s lower harbor.

Because most of my family is still up there, we go back quite a bit. There is nothing I love more than a U.P. summer. The summer days are long (thankfully, since the winters are too!) since the sun doesn’t set until close to 10:00 p.m. and therefore, you can really maximize your days. I am excited to share my favorites in Marquette for you to plan your trip like a local!

Sample Itinerary for Marquette

6:00-6:30 a.m. (maybe earlier!)| McCarty’s Cove Beach | where E. Michigan St. dead ends into Lakeshore Blvd. (that’s where you will find the parking lot!)
Check your weather app to see what time the sun rises and go catch it at the beach. It is the best spot to see the sunrise with the Marquette lighthouse in the background.

7:00-8:00 a.m. | Provisions MQT | 401 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette, MI
While you are at the lake, enjoy the bike path and walk 20 minutes to get some coffee. Skip the Starbucks and support small!

8:00-9:00 a.m. | Babycakes Muffin Co. | 223 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI
Another long-standing local favorite. Be sure to get the blueberry muffin, and bonus: they have gluten free options!

9:00-11:00 a.m. | Marquette Farmers Market | 112 S. 3rd St., Marquette, MI
If you are here on a Saturday or Wednesday night, don’t miss the market. Full of local vendors, you will find food, meats, local artwork, and some live music playing.

11:30 a.m. | Togo’s | 1000 N. Third St., Marquette, MI
Place your lunch order online (because it gets REALLY busy in the summer) and pack your cooler to take your lunch to the beach!

12:00-3:00 p.m. | McCarty’s Cove Beach
Head back to the beach for your family to play in the sand and brave the cold waters of Lake Superior. Please note: pay attention to ALL signs at the beach and do not swim in the areas with warning signs. Lake Superior is like a fresh water ocean, and there are spots that have dangerous currents!

Attractions You Must Visit

UP Children’s Museum | 123 W. Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI
A great place for children on a rainy day when you don’t want to be outside!

Lakenenland | 2800 M-28 East, Marquette, MI
A free sculptural park just outside of town that I can’t even explain–you just have to go see for yourself!

Presque Isle Park | Peter White Dr, Marquette, MI
Walk or drive around this picturesque island to see the beauty of Lake Superior (and maybe the Albino deer too!). If you are brave, don’t miss jumping off of Black Rocks (located in Presque Isle Park) into the crystal clear depths of Lake Superior (not suitable for young children, however).

Favorite Coffee Shop

Velodrome | 1125 N 3rd St., Marquette, MI
This coffee shop embraces the bike life that is prevalent in Marquette, where fat tire bikes make snow biking a local attraction in the winter.

Favorite Date Night Spot

Strega Nonna | 432 Iron St., Negaunee, MI
Head ten minutes out of Marquette to the neighboring town of Neguanee for a homemade Italian feast you will talk about for days.

Favorite Kid-Friendly Spot

Border Grill | 1145 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI
This fast casual restaurant is a perfect spot for the whole family. Be sure to get the border salsa–and no, it’s not made with carrots!

Honestly, most of the restuarants in Marquette are family-friendly and you will feel comfortable taking your children to any of them!

Favorite Place for Sweet Treats

Frosty Treats | 724 N 3rd St., Marquette, MI
This local favorite is only open seasonally. Be sure to get the pistachio yogurt if they have it. Also, don’t miss a picture in front of the ice cream cone mural!

Restaurants You’ll Love

The Vierling | 119 S Front St., Marquette, MI
Probably biased here since my aunt and uncle founded and owned this restaurant for thirty years. But, get the whitefish–it’s fresh caught, sourced from the fish market less than a block away!

Vango’s | 927 N 3rd St., Marquette, MI
Another long-standing OG Marquette restaurant. Don’t miss the pizza and the waffle fries!

Summer Attractions

Hiawatha Music Festival | July 17-19, 2026 | Tourist Park, 2145 Sugar Loaf Ave., Marquette, MI
This long-standing music festival has been going on for over 40 years. It’s always the third weekend in July.

Art on the Rocks | July 25-26, 2026 | Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park, Marquette, MI
This art festival was once featured in TIME magazine! It’s always the last full weekend in July.

Blueberry Festival | July 31, 2026 | Downtown Marquette, W. Washington & S. Front St.
Street vendors, blueberry-themed food and drinks, and live music transform the downtown area! It’s always the last Friday in July.

The old Iron Ore Dock is now a fixture at Marquette’s lower harbor.

Bonus Tips to Visiting Marquette

Be sure to check out local hiking spots like Sugarloaf Mountain, Little Presque Isle, Wetmore’s Landing, and Hogsback Mountain.
If you want to learn more about the Iron Industry that the Marquette area is known for, check out the mine tours at Cleveland Cliffs.
Marquette has made its mark on the craft beer scene. Check out Blackrocks Brewery (get the honey lavender), Ore Dock Brewing Company, Vierling (try the blueberry wheat), and Drifa Brewing Company and see what is your favorite!
If you make Marquette your home base, there are several neighboring towns to take a day trip to like Big Bay and the home of Pictured Rocks–Munising.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Check out our previous Travel Series location: West Virginia!

Mom Burnout: The Version of Me That Only Exists in the Summer

fotinicallis

July 1, 2026

Mom burnout in the summer is real–but for me, summer is when it finally lifts. In the winter, I am the Energizer Bunny. Between hockey schedules, school spirit weeks, and work obligations, every weekend is booked before the month begins. My Skylight calendar looks like a rainbow–commitment after commitment. I love every minute of it. My kids, my work, the goals I’m reaching for.

But somewhere between October and June, the weight of it all settles on my chest . . . and it stays there. It doesn’t arrive dramatically. It creeps in quietly, the way the cold does, gradually that you don’t notice until you are shivering. The anxiety becomes background noise I stop noticing. I keep moving, keep planning, keep showing up for everyone and everything on that rainbow calendar. I tell myself this year it will be different. That I will say no more often. That it won’t always feel this heavy. That I just need to get to the other side. The excuses continue to grow.

Then summer hits. The softer, slower version of me finally comes back.

When Winter Burnout Takes Over

I own a restaurant. I’m raising two boys, ages 11 and 9. I have goals I’m chasing in whatever minutes are left at the end of the day. I look at the rainbow calendar and while I feel like my life is fulfilled, the anxiety creeps in quietly. I tell myself that this is just the busy season and that “the years are short, but the days are long.”

I’ve learned that my calendar has seasons just like the weather does. By the time fall comes around, every blank space disappears. Weekends are full of hockey games and tournaments. Extracurricular activities replace evenings at home. The restaurant gets busier with holiday parties. Somewhere in between, I’m trying to keep up on graduate work, family time, and the never-ending to-do list.

Winter feels like a marathon. I am running from one commitment to the next with little room to breathe. There are days when I am so exhausted, I don’t even have time to eat. Instead of wishing the season away, I remind myself that slower days are coming.

The Summer Morning that Changes Everything

It’s not a date in the calendar. It’s a morning. A slow, unhurried morning where I wake up and nothing is rushing me out the door. No mental calculations of how to get the two boys to all the different places. Just me, a hot cup of coffee, and the quiet that only belongs to slow summer mornings. That’s it. That’s the moment. That’s when I exhale. The tightness in my chest releases. It happens slowly and then all at once. The weight on my shoulders slightly disappears.

I take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. I don’t feel guilty about it. Not even a little. I pick up the book that’s been sitting on my Kindle since February, downloaded with the best intention of finishing. I binge watch the trending shows everyone’s talking about. I finally feel like I’m part of the cultural conversations instead of nodding along pretending I have seen it.

I leave the laundry in the machine for another day. It doesn’t sit on my chest the way the winter to-do list does. It just waits. I don’t have to plan for lunches and that small, silly thing feels like the most luxurious gift in the world.

The anxiety just . . . lifts.

That’s When I Remember Who I Am Beneath the Burnout

I am not the scheduler. I am not the problem solver. And I am not the one who holds every moving piece with determination.

I am just a woman who loves her family deeply, who is proud of her work, who is grateful for her full, hectic, beautiful life. Summer gives me the chance to enjoy all of that. The slow morning that belongs entirely to me. The unplanned afternoons. The days when I’m lounging in my pajamas all day and think, “this is enough.” Not because I accomplished something or because I crossed something off my to-do list. Just because I’m rested and present in my own life (the way I want to be in the winter, but I’m just too tired).

I carry that feeling with me all summer long. I haven’t figured out how to make it last past September, but I’m trying. A slow morning or maybe an afternoon nap. Small moments with lasting rewards. The summer version of me deserves to exist all year long. Every June, without fail, she finds me again, not because life gets easier, but because I finally let myself slow down long enough to remember who I was before I became everyone’s everything.

Feeling overwhelmed? Patti shares about searching for sanity as an overwhelmed mother.

Family Summer Essentials I Keep in My Car

RanaMakki

June 24, 2026

Does your Mom Car have a purse? Well, mine does! Let’s do a “What’s in My Mom Car’s Purse? Summer Edition.”

First off, I’m sorry if I confused you. I call my car my “Mom Car” because it’s basically the mode of transportation that chauffeurs my kids around, especially in the summertime. My two kiddos and I are stuck together like peanut butter, jelly, and banana in the summer. It really only becomes my car again on the rare occasion I get to run errands alone. Therefore, I carry a lot of things around in my car’s “purse” just for the summer months. This “purse” is actually a trunk organizer–and it holds all of our family summer essentials.

Meet My “Purse”

For my own sanity, I like to keep this “purse” (or trunk organizer) stocked with essentials for my family all year long. But summer is its own kind of beast since we’re out and about so much. The items I keep stocked in it have saved me on many occasions. I highly suggest keeping summer essentials in your trunk at all times.

My biggest tip here is to tailor your trunk organizer to your kids’ individual needs and ages. If you have a child with food allergies, this would be a good place to store allergy necessities (just be mindful of extreme outdoor heat when it comes to medicine). When my kids were babies, this is also where I stored extra diapers and wipes. I rarely had an emergency occasion where I had to run to the store to grab extra during an outing, because I was always prepared.

I’d be happy to share with you what’s in my car’s “purse” for the summer:

Extra Clothing

To start, I like to keep one extra outfit per kid in the car. When they were younger, I would keep multiples. But now that they’re older, one is enough for us. This is for the inevitable ice cream spills, hot dog ketchup-and-mustard disasters, impromptu water-balloon sessions, potty accidents for younger children, etc. I use an old outfit that’s semi-small, so we’re not wasting perfectly-fitting clothes.

One Bathing Suit Per Kid

This is for the same reason as the extra clothes above, except when swimming. I learned the hard way that bathing suits aren’t ketchup-and-mustard-proof either. It’s better to have an extra on hand than to soil a clean swimming pool with gross ketchup and mustard stains (or worse).

Summer Essentials

I also always have extra sunscreen and hats in my trunk organizer because of the amount of time I’ve forgotten to put sunscreen on my kids while at home. This also goes for insect repellent!

“Busy Activities”

Like yours, my kids also act like they’re moving out whenever we go somewhere. Thus, they bring every activity and toy they own. But sometimes, we’ll have an impromptu outing where they can’t gather nine chapter books that they’re absolutely going to finish reading on our 15-minute car ride.

On these occasions, I’m so glad I thought ahead and kept a bunch of activities in my car. I like to keep extra colored pencils, activity books, magnetic toys, mini puzzles, drawing notepads, plain old lined paper, etc. These are for the doctor’s office waiting room, if I have an appointment somewhere, lengthy dinners, music class while waiting for a sibling to be finished, sports practices, etc.

First-Aid Kit

I always keep a first-aid kit throughout the year, but during summer this GROWS. It becomes a chubby first-aid kit, filled with items such as large-sized band-aids, alcohol pads, bug sting medicine, tweezers, kids’ antihistamine medicine, and more. This is due to the extra amount of time we spend outdoors!

Cleaning Supplies

As for the cleaning supplies, I keep extra hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues, hand wipes, and mini garbage bags for spills or messes on hand too.

Grooming Necessities

This goes for both boys and girls. I like to keep extra deodorant, hand and face wipes, a hairbrush, hairpins, hair ties, travel-size leave-in conditioner, and hair clips in my car “purse.” This way, after swimming, if they’ve forgotten to bring a hair brush (which happens more often than not), I always have one.

Don’t Be Overwhelmed . . .

I know, I know, after reading through this list you’re probably wondering why you want to carry extra stuff on top of the stuff you’re already carrying daily. But here’s the thing: you’ll pack it once right now at the beginning of summer and won’t have to pack it again except to restock. I genuinely can’t state the number of times this trunk organizer full of our summer essentials has SAVED me over the years!

Once your car is stocked, it’s time to hit the road. Our latest Travel Series post took us to Niagara Falls!

The Ultimate Summer Play Guide For Growing Bodies + Busy Brains

Detroit Mom

June 24, 2026

Summer break brings longer days, family adventures, and a well-deserved change of pace. It also brings a shift in routine that can make returning to school in the fall more challenging for some children, especially those with sensory or motor differences. While kids deserve plenty of downtime, including fun movement and sensory experiences in their summer can help them maintain important skills and make the transition back to school easier for everyone. This is where our friends from Kaufman Children’s Center come in!

Sensory and motor skills are the foundation for many school tasks. Children rely on them to sit upright in their chairs, pay attention during lessons, hold pencils, cut with scissors, navigate the playground, and regulate their bodies throughout the day. During the summer months, less structure and fewer opportunities for movement can sometimes lead to a loss of endurance, coordination, or sensory regulation. Keeping these skills active through play can help kids feel more confident and ready when school begins again.

The good news? Many favorite childhood activities naturally support the sensory and motor skills kids use every day in the classroom. We’ve rounded up tons of ideas from occupational therapists at Kaufman Children’s Center for Speech, Language, Sensory-Motor and Autism Treatment that don’t actually feel like therapy.

Head Outside for Big Movement

Their first trip? Get outside! Outdoor play provides some of the best opportunities for developing strength, coordination, and body awareness. Some examples include:

Bike riding: This favorite summer activity helps kids develop balance, core strength, bilateral coordination, visual attention, and motor planning, all of which support success in the classroom.
Obstacle courses: These fun challenges help improve balance, coordination, motor planning, and body awareness. Courses are versatile and can be set up indoors or outdoors, making them a fun way to keep kids moving no matter the weather.
Playground time: Equipment in your own backyard or local park benefits kids in lots of different ways. Climbing helps strengthen arms and core muscles, while swinging can provide calming sensory input for many children. Slides help kids build core and upper body strength, balance, coordination, motor planning, and body awareness.

Try including these events in outdoor play: hopping over pool noodles, crawling under chairs, balancing on a line, tossing beanbags into buckets, and jumping from one spot to another.

Get Wet + Messy

Summer is the perfect time to embrace sensory play. Warm weather and outdoor adventures provide endless opportunities for children to explore different textures, sounds, and movements while having fun. Some examples include:

Sand play: Digging, scooping, and building with sand strengthens little hands and encourages creativity. Hide small toys or shells in the sand to add an extra sensory challenge.
Sidewalk chalk: Drawing with chalk encourages grasping skills and upper-body strength. Hopscotch and chalk obstacle courses add movement and coordination to the fun!
Water play: Sprinklers, water tables, kiddie pools, and squirt bottles provide wonderful sensory experiences while encouraging hand strength and coordination. Filling cups, pouring water, and squeezing toys all help develop fine motor skills.

Encourage Heavy Work

“Heavy work” includes pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying. These activities provide proprioceptive input, the sensory information that helps children understand where their bodies are in space. Heavy work can be especially calming and organizing for many kids and makes them feel accomplished while giving their bodies input they crave. Try activities like:

Building with large blocks
Carrying groceries
Helping move patio cushions
Pulling a wagon
Pushing a toy lawn mower
Watering plants with a watering can

Build Fine Motor Skills Through Play

Fine motor skills are essential for handwriting, cutting, and managing school supplies. Examples of ways to build fine motor skills through play include:

Arts and crafts: Finger painting, coloring, bead stringing, cutting, and making friendship bracelets strengthen the small muscles of the hands while encouraging creativity.
Cooking together: Stirring batter, using cookie cutters, peeling fruit, and spreading toppings on sandwiches all build coordination and independence.
Exploring nature: Nature walks are full of sensory opportunities. Encourage children to notice birds singing, different textures of leaves, scents of flowers, sounds of insects, and all the colors and shapes around them.
Gardening: Planting flowers or vegetables offers opportunities for digging, picking up tiny seeds, and watering plants. Kids often enjoy watching their hard work grow over the summer.
Play dough fun: Rolling, pinching, squeezing, and hiding small objects in the dough provides excellent hand strengthening activities.
Scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt and help your child look for things that are rough, smooth, soft, or bumpy. These experiences strengthen observation skills and encourage kids to engage with their environment.

Practice Balance + Coordination

Classic outdoor childhood games can improve motor planning, balance, coordination, reaction time, and body control, while also providing tons of fun. Introduce these to your kids:

Balloon volleyball
Catch with a beach ball
Hopscotch
Jump rope
Red Light, Green Light
Simon Says

Don’t Forget Downtime!

Summer should still include opportunities for relaxation. Calming sensory experiences can help children regulate and recharge. Balancing active play with quiet moments allows them to develop self-regulation skills that are important in the classroom.

Consider these activities:

Building with blocks or LEGOs
Coloring
Listening to calming music
Reading in a hammock
Snuggling under a blanket for story time

Small Moments Add Up

You don’t need a packed schedule or expensive equipment to support sensory and motor development in the summer. Everyday activities provide meaningful opportunities for growth. Most importantly, keep it fun. Kids learn best through play, and those playful summer moments can help them head back to school feeling stronger, more confident, and ready for a successful year ahead.

And remember: you don’t have to navigate summer challenges alone. Sometimes a little support can make all the difference. If you have questions about your child’s development or would like ideas for helping them continue growing over the summer, Kaufman Children’s Center can help. Their experienced team can help create individualized strategies and activities that fit naturally into your family’s routine, helping your child build confidence, maintain important skills, and start the next school year ready to succeed.

Ready to reach out for support or just explore your options? Head to the Kaufman Children’s Center website to get started!

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Sample Itinerary for the Shores + Islands of Lake Erie

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Attractions You Must Visit

Favorite Coffee Shops

Favorite Places for Sweet Treats

Restaurants You’ll Love

Bonus Tips to the Shores + Islands of Lake Erie

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Check out our last travel series location: Boston!

1. Pause + assess before jumping in.

2. Emotion coach before problem solving.

3. Help each child feel heard.

4. Create family rules before the fight happens.

What I’m Taking Away

Looking for fun ways to make the most of summer? Check out our Mom Summer Bucket List, because you deserve fun, too!

Tips to Help Moms in the Workforce

1. Lead with workforce skills, not timelines.

2. Target flexible-friendly roles on purpose; gain experience where you can.

3. Update your skills before you apply.

4. Own your story without overexplaining.

5. Network like a human, not a job seeker.

6. Practice confidence, not perfection

Moms Belong in the Workforce: You Don’t Need Permission to Be Qualified

Moms are here to redefine it all. Check out the quote above and more from local mom Aleks when she shares what she wishes she knew about motherhood, mom guilt, + owning a business.

Moms, Don’t Put Your Dreams on Hold

What’s a HELOC?

Here’s how it works:

orsa’s New HELOC Rates: Making Home Equity More Affordable for Moms

Here’s what’s included:

Why This Matters for Families

Common Benefits of HELOCs

Smart Ways Moms Can Use a HELOC for Their Homes

Made for Mom, Because You Were Made for More

Ready to See How Much You Qualify For?

See how much you can unlock at orsacu.org/heloc-promo. It takes less time than packing lunches . . . and way less stress.

Please Don’t Touch Anything

How Long Have We Been Here?

Am I Overreacting?

I Wish Someone Would Ask How I Was Doing

You’re Not the Only One

Feeling burnt out from doctors visits? Renee shares some ideas to carve out some time for self-care for moms.

Sample Itinerary for Marquette

Attractions You Must Visit

Favorite Coffee Shop

Favorite Date Night Spot

Favorite Kid-Friendly Spot

Favorite Place for Sweet Treats

Restaurants You’ll Love

Summer Attractions

Bonus Tips to Visiting Marquette

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Check out our previous Travel Series location: West Virginia!

When Winter Burnout Takes Over

The Summer Morning that Changes Everything