Why It’s Okay to Ask For and Receive Help

By

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January 20, 2016

As moms, I think we all fall prey to the (false) idea that we have to take on everything by ourselves. Even when our husbands and partners, bless them, need an obvious ask, we are committed to doing it ourselves! This is absurd, but the obviousness of it all doesn’t always hit us until we’ve hit a wall. The same goes for when another mom, family member, or friend offers to help out if we’re having a tough time—illness, stress, partner traveling. Why can’t we say yes? We should say yes to help more often.

When I made the decision to get childcare for my son 3 days days a week, I cried. There was a piece of me that felt like a failure. Why can’t I do it all? Why can’t I grow my small business WHILE I spend time with my son? But now that I have that in place, I feel like a more balanced mom and a better business owner. It allows me to stop trying to do it all at the same time and focus on my business when I have that time, and on my son when I’m with him.

I went through the same internal battle when I realized I needed help keeping up with the house. But when I allowed myself to ask and receive help, my life felt so much more balanced. My hours at work are more efficient and I spend more quality time with my family now that I don’t worry about keeping up with cleaning the toilets and scrubbing the floors. And every other week when I come home after my house-cleaning angel has paid her visit, I am so happy I made the decision to ask and receive help.

Not everyone can afford to pay someone to clean for them, or maybe it’s not regular child care that you want. There are lots of ways to give and receive help.

Whatever makes you feel more supported—don’t be afraid to ask for it! It’s not a sign of weakness, in fact the strongest women know how to ask for and receive help.

So the next time your spouse looks at you with a blank face like he didn’t notice the sink was full of dishes, just ask him to please take care of it. Or if your girlfriend knows you have a bad cold and asks if you need anything, say yes! Ask for her to bring you hot tea or to come relieve you of your kid(s) for just an hour so you can take a nap. It is okay, you aren’t a failure. You’re human.

The Perfect Baby Food

By

emiliemaierhofer

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January 19, 2016

The perfect baby food is the mothers milk, except when it’s not… blah, blah, blah. I get it. Once I figured out my opinion on breastfeeding, running the gamut from confusion, pain, anger, sweet tenderness, calm appreciation, and pain once again (hello teeth), and found a place for formula feeding in my life, the baby was old enough for a new feeding conundrum.

It really bothered me that one food company ‘made by moms’ followed the trend of always pairing a fruit with a vegetable. What if I want my baby to know what zucchini tastes like without apple, and carrots without mango? I took a look at jars and bottles on the grocery store shelf and went home to see if I could make something similar.

What other food should I feed baby? In my ‘Transitioning to Solids’ post, I promised to share some recipes, tips, and tools. So, if you are on your first baby, and have the same questions I did, I have some answers.

The first answer is: the banana.

I love bananas. They are inexpensive, come in their own container, can be mashed or diced, or fed whole (depending on age and ability). They can be found at pot-lucks, gas stations and fun runs. Whenever you need them, bananas are there for you.

My biggest tips for entering the world of baby food:

Don’t make it harder than it needs to be- buy fresh produce on sale, but if it ends up being more work than is worth it for you, ditch it! Avocado was awesome, while green beans have been the most work for me, and baked squash the easiest to incorporate into multiple meals for the rest of the family.
Microwave, Steam, Boil, Bake. The first food my baby ate was sweet potato steamed in the microwave. It’s better baked, but you do what you gotta do!
Mash with a fork, blend with an immersion blender, or go fancy and buy a special mill at the store. Babies like texture, so I like to leave a little interest in the mix and sometimes, yea, I mash with my fingers!
Storage can be what you want it to be: cheap 4 oz. containers from the grocery store work great for me, but you can go sturdy, or even glass if that is your preference. I haven’t yet tried squeezable containers (some people even use breast milk storage bags), or freezing in ice cube trays.
Be smart: follow medical recommendations, refrigerate, freeze, and thaw as recommended, watch for allergies, but don’t be afraid to try new things (spices, textures, colors, cooked or raw)

Fancy Finger Foods: these non-recipes fit right into your life

Oatmeal-Pear ‘cookies’

Cook 1 serving rolled oats according to directions (omit salt, and use water instead of milk).
Include a hand full of apple or pear and a dash of cinnamon in the cooking process (remember to count spices as a ‘new food’ and watch for allergic reactions)
Have a few spoonfuls yourself, or a whole bowl for breakfast. Baby might like to play with this, and eat a bit now or…
Spoon onto a baking sheet and spread in an even layer.
Bake at 300 degrees checking frequently, removing when it starts to turn golden brown and surface no longer appears moist
Cut into 1 inch squares with a pizza cutter
Let cool completely and serve or store ‘cookies’ in the refrigerator for a day or two

Black Bean Sweet Potato Cakes

Heat sweet potato and black beans however you like (option: include cooked onions, garlic or spices like cumin)
Mash well with fork
Grease baking sheet
Roll into 1 inch balls and press flat on baking sheet (the cakes will not rise, so don’t worry about spacing)
Put under broiler and flip after 3 minutes.
Cool until safe and enjoy!
Eat the un-mashed ingredients with avocado, cilantro, lime on a corn tortilla– its a meal for the whole family!

My baby loves to gum these recipes, and I didn’t mind snagging one or two myself. Since my baby is only 9 months old, I have a lot of years of meal planning ahead of me.

What recipes do you make for your baby or young toddler? I’d love to try some out!

My Grandfather Needs to Live Forever

By

Amber Cross

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January 18, 2016

I was raised by a single working mother in a 900-square foot, basement-level condo, which was owned by my grandfather. He lived across the street from us, and I saw him pretty much daily. He dropped me off at school and picked me up. He took me to dance class 3 or 4 days a week. He always made sure that while my mother was working, I was well taken care of.

He used to ask me every single day when I got in his car after school “What did you learn today?” My answer was ALWAYS “Nothing, Grandpa…” He’d always tell me to stop biting my nails or not to cross my legs because I’d get varicose veins. He’d lecture me about my attitude being “ugly” or about how there’s a consequence for every action I make.

For a long time – during my younger years – my grandpa was my best friend, my only male role model.

During my adolescent years I completely blew him off when he asked me to go to church with him, or to accompany him to a play or anything else that wasn’t “cool” anymore. I always thought my grandpa had an unlimited amount of time on the earth – he was immortal to me. I took advantage of his kindness and the life lessons he tried so hard to instill in me because I think I really convinced myself that there would always be time to make things right.

Here I sit – at 32 years old – and I’m faced with a truth that I’ve never accepted: My grandpa will not live forever. He just turned 86 years old last week. He’s had a cancer scare, he lives with diabetes, his memory is failing. It’s becoming all too real. I’m honestly not sure how I can live my life without him.

He’s been one of my biggest supporters even though I’ve failed him many times. I’ve done things and said things that were so disrespectful to him. I’ve called him crazy, I’ve told him to leave me alone, I abandoned our monthly theater going experiences – all because I thought I’d never run out of time with him. I always thought: “I’ll call him later…” or “I’ll see him next week…”

He loves my children. He loves my children SO much. He speaks so highly of them to everyone. He actually told me he was proud of the way my husband and I are raising them. He praises us for doing all the right things. He showers them with love and affection and I really hope they’ll remember how much they are loved by him…long after he’s gone. That’s the first time I’ve ever typed “he’s gone” or even said it. It still doesn’t seem like something that will really happen.

This has always been a sensitive topic with me – ever since I became an adult and began to process the thought of death. Even more so now, I think about it constantly as a parent. I’m supposed to be the strong one now. I’m supposed to be the one who knows it all and who can handle anything life throws at me. When it comes to thinking about my grandfather in any situation now – especially thinking of his death -I don’t want to be the adult. I want to curl up in his lap like a little girl and watch The Sound of Music, just like we used to. If I knew then what I know now (how cliche is that) I would take advantage of every moment with my grandpa. I would go to church with him every Sunday. I would answer the phone every time he called. I would wear all of the goofy clothes he made me. I would take back the hurtful things I said.

All I can do now is continue to make him proud. I will continue to involve him in my children’s lives. He will always be welcome in my home and I will take every opportunity to tell him how much I love him, and how the lessons he taught me when he thought I wasn’t listening as a child are the things I’m striving to instill in my babies. And I’ll tell them he is the one who taught me those lessons. Now, and when my Grandpa is gone.

Do you, or did you have a special relationship with a grandparent?

What life lessons have, or did your grandparents teach you?

When Everything is a Battle: Life with a 2 Year Old

By

Meghan Simonie

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January 17, 2016

Having a 2 year old is exhausting. I feel as though most days I am holding my breath for the next thing she will use her favorite word for… ‘NO.’ It is becoming more and more difficult to find that fine line between what is worth disciplining over and what just needs to be let go. You start to question yourself as a parent, “what if this little thing I let her get away with turns into a much bigger thing?”

Round 1: Breakfast

Momma: Sweetie, what would you like for Breakfast?

Daughter: Umm, a hot dog?

(ok, let’s try this again)

Momma: How about some eggs and cereal for Breakfast?

Daughter: Umm, yes.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Round 1 goes to Momma!

Round 2: Finishing Breakfast

Daughter: I watch Elmo?

Momma: You cannot watch Sesame Street until you are all done.

Daughter: I all done.

(yep, trying that one again)

Momma: You need to have a few more bites before you can watch Sesame Street.

Daughter: I no like it.

Momma: How about some apple slices while you watch Sesame Street?

Daughter: Elmo!!

Momma: (places apple slices in Daughter’s lap while watching Sesame Street)

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Round 2 goes to Daughter

Round 3: Naptime

(huge yawns followed by eye rubbing)

Daughter: I tired.

Momma: Wanna go upstairs and get your bubbas (pacifiers)?

Daughter: No!

Momma: Momma will lay with you upstairs…

Daughter: O-tay!

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Round 3 goes to the sleeping Momma on the bed next to the daughter playing with her stuffed Elmo!

Round 4: General Playtime

Momma: (seeing crayons everywhere) Sweetie, can you please pick up your crayons and put them back in your crayon box?

Daughter: No!

Momma: Listen. If you don’t put your crayons away, and stop throwing them, you can’t color anymore.

Daughter: I do puzzle now.

Momma: You can play with your puzzle but you have to clean up your crayons first.

Daughter: (dumps puzzle and ignores Momma)

Momma: (tone rising) Do you want to go upstairs and go to bed??

Daughter: O-tay!

(not where that was supposed to go…)

Momma: (last resort time) Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere

Daughter: (now cleaning crayons) Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Round 4 goes to the desperate, Barney song using, Momma!

Even though each round has seemed to present its own challenge, I know it will be a totally different combination of battles the next day. I’m finding that there is no one way to win the battle, or to pick which ones to fight. Every day presents a new issue with a new way to handle it as my daughter seems to find ways to out-smart me.

I’m learning the true battle, is tapping into my patience and reminding myself that she is only two and we are both learning from each other.

They say “perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” So, I’ll keep failing and learning new ways to succeed and feel joy in all the little victories!

Are you the Momma of a 2 Year Old?

Can YOU relate?

My son is not a show-off (but I am!)

By

Erin Piper

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January 13, 2016

“Are you suuure you don’t want to go up and sing with your friends?”

I desperately whispered to my son, as I tried to convince him to join the rest of the Sunday School crew on stage at church. The kids were performing a Christmas poem and song, and despite my attempts to persuade him to join them, Oliver’s eyes filled with tears at the thought of standing up in front of the congregation and performing.

As much as I wanted to see him up there with the rest of his peers, my husband and I didn’t force him up there, and watched the other children recite sweet lines and sing their hearts out. I knew in advance that Oliver wouldn’t be one of the kids belting out at the top of his lungs, but even I was surprised and disappointed that we couldn’t even get him up there.

Many times before this, I’d defended or excused his quiet nature and refusal to “perform” in front of groups. “He’s not a performer!” I’d declare, sometimes defensively, trying to respect his refusal to sing a song or spout off requested information on cue. Truthfully, it pained me a bit to admit that he didn’t inherit the “show off” gene from his mom.

As a child, and especially in middle and high school, I LOVED performing, in many senses of the word. Whether it was a piano or dance recital, singing in choir, public speaking, emceeing an event, or simply talking with my parents’ adult friends, I enjoyed performing. In most cases, my ego far surpassed my actual talent.

But, my son doesn’t have this “bug” to perform, or at least, he doesn’t right now. While I wish it didn’t bother me, if I’m being honest, it does. He can actually be a real ham, and is very silly and funny. He’s a very sweet big brother, but is usually too engrossed in a new environment to even notice his baby sister. The funny, sweet kid that I’m so proud of doesn’t really show the full range of his awesome personality to many people. We go on visits to see friends with kids who greet me and carry on lengthy conversations, and my kid, who never stops talking at home, barely gets out a full sentence in two hours.

I’m not sure if my feelings come from a place of competitiveness, or regret that most people won’t get to see what a great kid I have, but I’m trying not to let my feelings influence my words or actions towards him in an attempt to make him perform. I imagine that the more I push, the more miserable and resistant he’ll become in these situations, and as much as I’d love for him to come out of his shell a bit more, I’d like it to be on his terms.

I think there’s a time when we have to push our kids a bit harder, but forcing a three year old to put on a song and dance show to satisfy my own ego doesn’t seem like the best choice.

I completely realize that he’ll need to give speeches in school, and talk with tons of new people throughout his life, but I’m trying to understand that these are skills that some people are born with, and that may take others a little bit longer to learn (and possibly NEVER enjoy!).

In talking with a friend about the instance I described earlier, she affirmed that not pushing Oliver to perform was probably the right move, saying that she hates situations where she feels on the spot, and forcing her to do it doesn’t magically change her feelings, but instead makes it worse.
If you have a non-performer, and especially if you’re more of a performer yourself, know that you’re in good company! Our kids might not be performers, but that alone doesn’t make them any less awesome than any other kids – just that they keep their awesome as a treasure to share when they feel safe and secure.

Can YOU relate?

Do YOU have a child who is scared or nervous to perform in front of others, and how do you parent in such a situation?

I Might be a Mom, But I’m ‘Me’ Too

By

Erica B

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January 12, 2016

Recently, I remembered something my Dad said to me when I was in my early 20’s, “I might be old, but I’m not dead yet!”

Admittedly, this took place while I was at the neighborhood bar having a beer and a burger with him, and gave him a hard time for flirting with an attractive woman who was sitting nearby. He was single, and in his early 60’s and has always been a bit of a cad. I was probably 21, and of the mindset that my parents were (hopefully) no longer sexually active after my (immaculate) conception.

As a mom of two young kids living the crazy dichotomy of adulthood, this memory – which came to me out of nowhere – really hit home. It reminded me that being a mom doesn’t mean I have to give up everything. That I don’t need to be a martyr to be a good mom, and that it’s so good for kids to learn that the world doesn’t revolve solely around them. That I can be a living example to them of setting and achieving goals and demonstrating how to maintain relationships as I nurture my marriage and friendships.

Now, there are women who are truly completed by motherhood and want only that – I think that is wonderful for them! But as my babies become less and less baby-ish by the second and need me just a little less every day, for me it feels like the sun is slowly rising again!

As much as I adore the beautiful little people that my husband and I made together, I’m not dead yet – and I still have a lot to do in this lifetime for my kids and myself!

For the past 6 months or so I’ve been hemming and hawing over how to balance the possibility of starting my own business while still keeping up with my responsibilities at home. My husband travels frequently, so many times I’m without a partner when it comes to parental and household duties. I’ve been loathe to give up time with my almost 3 year old, but also not wanting to wait another 2-3 years to start my own business.

This memory of my Dad flashed through my head at what feels to be exactly when I needed it. It triggered discussions with my husband and mentors about how to make things work, got me thinking about creative solutions, and inspired me to do more than just daydream about what I want. I realized that I feel good about spending the last 3 years at home with my kids, and although I might entrust a bit more of their care to others in the near future, it doesn’t mean that I’m not an involved and present parent. In fact, I think it will make me a better mom by showing them that’s you don’t get what you want unless you try!

Not only did the memory inspire me to push past my comfort zone in regards to pursuing dreams, but it also was a good reminder that I might be a mom… but I’m also an INTROVERT who needs quiet time with a book. I’m a WIFE who loves having fun and feeling sexy with my husband. I’m a FRIEND to amazing people who I love to connect with.

Mom will forever be a title that I treasure, even if I do dream of other things too!

Who are you? What are your dreams?

Breaking the Cycle : Struggles of an Overweight Mom

By

Kim C.

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January 11, 2016

Beauty comes in all sizes. Real women have curves. Don’t weight your self-esteem. Wide Pride. Fat and Sassy. I have heard them all.

I am an overweight mom. There, I said it.

Anyone who can see me can know this but we don’t acknowledge it. Now it’s out of the way. I am not using these slogans to justify it. I am not saying these are right or wrong or that thin women are not real women. I am only saying, mind your own beeswax.

I have struggled with weight my entire life. I have laughed and cried over it, often in the same conversation. I have lost a lot of weight, gained a lot of weight and over the years alternated between balancing my self-worth on who I am versus what I look like. I’m not proud of that but it’s true. Who isn’t that true for? I am also a mom who is trying very hard to help teach her daughter to be kinder to herself; to have self-esteem no matter what; to be proud of who she is; to be confident in her intelligence and bravery and kindness. That size doesn’t matter except in your own health and that she is loved. Always.

My daughter is not overweight, not even close. She is tall and absolutely proportionate. She is healthy in every aspect. But who’s to say things will always be that way? Who knows if a 10 pound weight gain will put doubts in her mind and chips in her self-esteem armor? I pray it won’t. I pray my actions and words today will build a woman who is healthy in every sense of the word.

I watch everyone around her like a hawk and listen to what they say to her. I do my best ensure NO ONE gives her any doubt about her body or her intelligence or anything else. She’ll get enough of that in school and in life.

I get up and work out at 5am while my daughter is still sleeping. I do that because if left to the end of the day, it simply won’t happen. However, I also talk about my workout, have shown her my gym, and sometimes on the weekends let my daughter work out with me so she knows exercise is just what we do. Sometimes she joins in with her own moves, sometimes she gets bored and plays. I have taken her on 5K races in her stroller and let her win my medal.

I take her to gymnastics every week and soon to be swimming lessons so she gets her own fun physical activity too. Often we replace boring exercise with walks to the park, where we run and play and sweat and get out of breath.

I make sure there are balanced meals that include lots of fruits and veggies and milk. Sometimes it’s chocolate, but it’s still milk. We try everything, even just a bite before resorting to the standby chicken nugget dinner. I am frequently shocked at what a 2 year old will eat if you can get them to take a bite.

I am trying to instill healthy habits and exercise as part of our every day. I am trying not to put so much focus on what we eat or how we exercise that we swing the pendulum in the opposite direction and obsess over it. Sure, there are days we splurge on our food. There are days I say, “No way, too tired!” on exercise. I let her see that too because it’s life. But, if I can make some small difference now on how she develops her sense of self; how she develops an appreciation of herself; how she sees value in herself; before she even realizes it, then maybe we can also slow down the development of that little doubting voice that nags so many of us. If we are really lucky, maybe we can crush that bugger completely!

Our Family on Facebook vs. Real Life

By

Amber Cross

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January 10, 2016

I’ve seen countless memes and other social media posts ragging on parents who post “only the good stuff” on their social media sites and you know what? Yeah. A majority of the stuff I post is just the good times, the high points, the peaks of our day. Who wants to read about the bad things that happen – The pits – the negative – the depressing stuff?

20150518_113958 — I’ve never posted this one. This happens at least once a day around here.

I have never claimed on social media (or to anyone in real life, for that matter) that everything I post is all that ever happens. I don’t pretend that my life is perfect and that all my hopes and dreams have come true in the family I’ve created. On most days the dishes are stacked up in the sink. The laundry is piled up and there are smudged dirty fingerprints…on literally everything I own. Wearing high heels is rare (and I miss it more than anything.) I *think* I remember how to apply makeup. Showers for mommy are few and far between. It’s not all glitter and rainbows and happy sunshine, but I don’t pretend my life is perfect. If it was, I think I’d get bored pretty freakin’ quick.

20151214_115603 — Our actual playroom. This is life. This is every day.

Scrolling through my feed I see pictures of my children dressing up in super cute costumes and baking cookies with their daddy. I see videos of my son and I trying to get support for our latest service projects. I read quotes from my kids that make friends and family laugh so hard they nearly pee themselves. It all looks like an amazing life – and honestly it really is! However, I’m not in denial about the fact that sometimes my kids can be WAY too much for me to handle. The other day – I’m pretty sure my daughter called me an @sshole from her crib when I told her to lay down and take a nap. While preparing for bed on more than one occasion my husband has taken a hit to the junk from my son because he’s not tired and refuses to lay down. Reagan screams bloody murder every now and then when I pour her a glass of milk instead of juice because she claims “I HATE MILK! BAD MOMMY!” I’ve sat in the middle of the room sobbing hysterically because Reagan was playing in her poopy diaper and I’ve spent some serious time apologizing to Colin because I yelled at him a little too loud and scared the daylights out of him. That’s life. That’s what’s real. That’s parenthood.

The point is – the bad stuff happens. I choose to post the good stuff not because I want everyone to believe that’s all the ever happens around here, but because in this crazy, ridiculously fast-paced, sometimes depressing, magical life – I want to remain positive. I want to share with others who might be feeling down that there are parts worth pushing through for!

Don’t lead people to believe that you’re a robot and you obey all your husband’s commands. Don’t portray your life as clean and pristine and free of worry and strife. A.) People will think you’re full of it. Everyone -including yourself – knows better and B.)

Live a real life. Live a true life. Let it be what it is.

20150506_112001 — At the end of the day – through all the chaos – through all the things that are not perfect – there are moments like this that are genuine and pure.

To the Mom I Want to Be

By

Kim C.

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January 7, 2016

Yesterday I got into bed and told my husband, “Today I was the kind of mom I wish I was every day.” It was an amazing day – I realized – because I was not distracted; a perfect Sunday without the looming rush of the work week. There was no grocery shopping, putting food away, making lunches, washing dishes, prepping dinner in between loads of laundry and giving baths. Instead, with no work in the week ahead (we are having a stay-cation) we spent our time finger painting, putting together puzzles, reading stacks of books, taking a lengthy bubble bath, swimming like a mermaid and watching a movie snuggled in mom’s bed. Who could ask for anything more?

The other thing I noticed on this relaxing and fun family day was how affectionate my daughter was. All full of unsolicited hugs and kisses and “I love you” throughout the day and we reciprocated every single one. She radiated love and excitement at just having our attention. I saw what a difference the slowed pace made. I felt the childlike joy of lying in bed and giggling together and then I heard the four words that changed everything. My daughter, smiling and ecstatic said, “Mommy, you’re not mad!”

Crushed.

I am not usually mad at my daughter, but I knew what she meant. She meant I was not rushing her. I wasn’t saying things like, “Hurry or we’ll be late” or “We’ll do that later, we have to do this now.” I wasn’t telling her, “In a minute” or the dreaded “I’m going to count to three…” It was like being hit by a semi-truck. I was stricken. How could I not have seen this? How could I ever make my sweet girl feel like I was mad at her? I was devastated. I said, “Honey, do you think mommy is mad at you sometimes?” She got quiet, wondering I’m sure what I wanted her to say and finally replied, “You’re not mad mom.”

I immediately stopped the movie. I sat face to face with her, looked her in the eye and tried to explain that Mommy is not mad at her when we have to hurry. Mommy is not mad when we have to do a not so fun thing instead of playing. Most importantly, mommy is sorry she felt that way.

There is no doubt that like most families, we lead a busy life. Still, with two working parents and all the trimmings I thought we were doing OK. We take time every day to play together and we involve her in the things we need do too, like making dinner. We make time before bed to lie together and cuddle, read books and pray. Yes, we rush sometimes. Yes, our weekdays are busy. I can’t change that. We need to work, we need to make dinner each night, we need to do laundry and dishes and give baths. What I don’t need to do is make my toddler think I am mad at her.

So lying there, I re-evaluated how we go about our day to day. I wondered how I could keep being the kind of mom I want to be even when we were back to work.

I decided I can start earlier (not likely) or accept it and be a tad late. I can let her take the time to do things herself like getting dressed and brushing her teeth without rushing her.

I can try my best to eliminate “hurry” and “not now” from my vocabulary and replace them with things like, “Mommy sure wishes we could do that right now. Since we need to go, do you think we could do that together when we get home?”

I can take the time to slow down myself and see things from her perspective. I could probably use a little more “kid” in my life any way!

Then I made an important decision. I am not going to continue to beat myself up over it. It hurt, that’s true. I regret it, that’s certainly not my first or last mistake. Self-loathing won’t change it or make it better. Crying didn’t do it either. So, I accept that I screwed up. I accept that I am not a perfect mom. Who is? Thankfully she’s not permanently damaged and thankfully I recognize the opportunity to change it, and that’s where I can be a better mom.

Are YOU the Next DMB Team Member? {Open Contributor Call}

By

Elizabeth Lewis

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January 7, 2016

Do YOU want to be a part of the Detroit Moms Blog Team? We are looking for a few local moms to join our team in 2016 and we couldn’t be more excited!!!

Do you enjoy sharing your story with other moms and love writing?! The Detroit Moms Blog Team is growing, and we are currently looking for local voices who are passionate about our city and interested in sharing their stories! Our team of moms love to inspire Detroit moms both online and offline while sharing the journey of motherhood with each other. We are moms of all ages, with kids in every stage, who have a passion for community…and of course, all things mom. These woman encourage each other on a daily basis. They are unique, talented and transparent while sharing their parenting experiences with YOU.

This is a {volunteer} position, but there are some really fun perks to make it all worthwhile. We are looking for new moms, old moms, mr. moms, expecting moms, caregivers and future moms!

Here’s what you need to know ::

What you GIVE…

Two original posts per month that fit within the brand and mission of DMB
An active presence on social media
A six month commitment, beginning May 2015
Availability for Mom’s Night Outs and other DMB events
Availability for in-person contributor meetings with eats and drinks, of course!
A passion for moms, kids, and the Detroit {Metro-Detroit} area
A reliable, positive, and fun personality!

What you GET…

Your photo and bio on the Detroit Moms Blog contributor page {with links to your personal blog and/or social media handles if you choose to share them}
A headshot and team photo shoot with DMB’s official photographer
Access to the DMB Contributors Facebook group and other internal communications
Opportunities to test out products and/or services before reviewing them on DMB
Information and professional development in the areas of writing, blogging, SEO, social media, and event management
New friendships and an AMAZING opportunity to do something great in our city

What you should DO…

Complete the form below in its entirety, including…
Basic contact information
The area of town you live in
A little bit about yourself + family
Are you a business owner or do you have a personal blog
Any social media handles you may have
Links to TWO blog posts that best showcase your writing ability
A few sentences about what makes your perspective on motherhood unique
And a brief explanation as to why you would like to be part of the DMB Team

Deadline is midnight, Friday, January 22nd. {Unfortunately, there will be no exceptions.}

The newest members of the Detroit Moms Blog Team will be announced at the end of January!

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Detroit Mom

Why It’s Okay to Ask For and Receive Help

The Perfect Baby Food

My Grandfather Needs to Live Forever

When Everything is a Battle: Life with a 2 Year Old

My son is not a show-off (but I am!)

I Might be a Mom, But I’m ‘Me’ Too

Breaking the Cycle : Struggles of an Overweight Mom

Our Family on Facebook vs. Real Life

To the Mom I Want to Be

Are YOU the Next DMB Team Member? {Open Contributor Call}

Do YOU want to be a part of the Detroit Moms Blog Team? We are looking for a few local moms to join our team in 2016 and we couldn’t be more excited!!!

Here’s what you need to know ::

What you GIVE…

What you GET…

What you should DO…

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