You have nothing to be embarrassed about, but these personal care products really work

No spoilers, but in the words of America Ferrera’s character in Barbie, it’s hard being a woman. Just basic human ‘problems’ have us feeling self-conscious, even though each and every one of us deals with it all, too. So we’re putting ’embarrassing problems’ in quotation marks because, well, not all of them are problems and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re just a human being who may want to wax your nose hair. Or who gets severe gas pain. Or who loves garlic (and has the breath that comes with it. Again. Something everyone deals with.).

We didn’t pull any punches with this list—we get down and dirty and honest here. Not only do we want to share personal care products that work really well, we also want to remind you that you’re absolutely not ‘the only one’. And, for the record, none of these products should make you feel like anything is wrong with you. Pimples are normal. Snoring is common. We all sweat. They’re called personal care products for a reason, right? Read on to check out our top picks for the non-embarrassing ’embarrassing problems’ everyone has experienced.

 

Wearable Anti-Snoring Device

ROOHO

Snoring isn't anyone's fault, but when you're waking up multiple times a night either by your own snoring or your partner's (<eye twitch>), it sure feels like someone's to blame. This rechargeable device is worn in your nose (complete with a detachable cover that's easy to clean) and Amazon reviewers are giving it a 4.8 star rating. Imagine not waking up filled with rage for less than $60. 

Wearable Anti-Snoring Device ($59.99)—Buy Here!

Body Glide for Her

Body Glide

How about this heat, huh? We know. It's unbearable. But even when it's not sweltering outside, chafing around our most sensitive skin happens. This deodorant-style stick lets you glide on the protective balm anywhere you need it—thighs, bra line, and anywhere your skin is easily raw and irritated.

Body Glide for Her ($10.99)—Buy Here!

Armpit Sweat Pads

OTTOLIVES

Speaking of sweat, it happens to everyone. The moment you catch yourself in the mirror and realize your shirt has dark spots thanks to heat, stress, or toddler-chasing. Although everyone sweats, it's also annoying when your clothes get damaged or stained. These sweat pads stick directly onto your clothes to help absorb extra perspiration.

Armpit Sweat Pads ($15.99)—Buy Here! 

The Happy Biome Cleansing Wipes

Cora

The thing with a lot of feminine products is that they disrupt your whole body balance. The Happy Biome Cleansing Wipes from Cora keep everything that's supposed to be there alone and are packed with postbiotics that keep your biome hydrated and happy. They're especially great for post-gym, mornings when you can't get a shower (we know it happens), and on-the-go.

The Happy Biome Cleansing Wipes ($15.98)—Buy Here!

VEGAMOUR GRO Revitalizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Vegamour/Amazon

Any woman dealing with thinning hair (raises hand), whether it's from postpartum hormones, illness, genetics, overstyling, etc., knows what an impact it can have on your confidence. Vegamour gets our vote for combating thinning hair. Cleanse & condition while reducing signs of shedding & support thicker, fuller-looking hair in as soon as 90 days. You can expect up to 52% more density and 75% less shedding.

VEGAMOUR GRO Revitalizing Shampoo & Conditioner ($80.00)—Buy Here!

Lume Whole Body Deodorant

Lume/Amazon

We all know you don't just sweat under your arms, and Lume gets that, too. You can apply it to almost any part of your body that you feel needs some extra freshening up, and it's aluminum and baking soda-free, too. It's available in multiple scents.

Lume Whole Body Deodorant ($23.99)—Buy Here!

Post Pop Potion

Amazon

We've all done it. No shame. But if you've picked at your skin, there's a good chance it actually looks worse than it did before you messed with it (which doesn't stop us from doing it, to be honest). We totally get it. Post Pop Potion helps soothe redness and irritation, plus speeds up healing time.

Post Pop Potion ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover Wipes

Amazon

There's nothing quite like spending the afternoon walking around with what you spilled on yourself at lunch down your shirt for all to see. When changing clothes isn't an option, these handy wipes are a lifesaver. They're also great for sending in lunchboxes with older kiddos.

Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover Wipes 72ct ($20.55)—Buy Here!

Adjustable Headboard Stoppers

Amazon

Sometimes the headboard of your bed might hit the wall. Sometimes you may want it to not do that. 

Adjustable Headboard Stoppers ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Pura Home Fragrance Diffusers

Pura

Pets, cooking, and kids all lead to some less-than pleasant smells in your home, even if you regularly clean. Forget room sprays and artificial-smelling plug-ins. Pura fragrance diffusers are changing everything you know about home scents. Their diffusers connect to the Pura app, allowing you to totally customize everything from scent strength, schedule, device light color, and stay on top of scent replacement. Add a massive selection of fragrances from Anthropologie, Disney, Kenneth Cole, and more, and you'll wonder why you ever messed with any other product.

Pura Home Fragrance Diffusers ($44.99)—Buy Here!

Gas-X Maximum Strength

Gas-X

Absolutely all jokes aside, gas pain is serious pain. It can be almost unbearable, but Gas-X is a tried-and-true remedy* that works fast. Don't leave home without it. No, for real. Don't.

Gas-X Maximum Strength ($14.49)—Buy Here!

*Not intended as medical advice. Speak to your healthcare provider before using any medication.

Flex Reusable Menstrual Disc

Flex

Listen. We are in no way saying that your cycle is anything to be embarrassed about. Ever. What we are saying is that the Flex Reusable Menstrual Disc is incredibly comfortable, offers up to 12 hours of leak protection, and is so much better for the environment. Especially if you've found menstrual cups uncomfortable or hard to use, the Flex Disc can be a total game changer.

Flex Reusable Menstrual Disc ($34.99)—Buy Here!

Musely Skincare

Musely

We firmly believe no one should be embarrassed about getting older. We also think it's important to recognize that there are different ways for people to feel their best. If you're someone who prefers to reduce dark spots, fine lines, or improve your skin's texture, it's worth doing it right. Musely offers prescription skin care that's completely customized to your skin goals. Whether you're concerned about dark spots, acne scars, rosacea, fine lines, or any combination of those, Musely lets you connect with a dermatologist to create the ideal regimen.

Musely Skincare—Join Here!

Dagsmejan Temperature-Regulating Sleep & Lounge

Dagsmejan

Tired of waking up sweating, sticky, and overheated? Freezing all night? Toss and turn alternating between hot and cold? Whether it's the height of summer or not, experts agree that people generally sleep better when their body is cooler. If your PJs are making you all-around uncomfortable, Dagmejan's ultra-silky sleepwear is all lightweight and breathable and is so comfortable, you'll want to wear these pieces all the time. Their Stay Warm Collection, Stay Cool Collection, Balance Collection, and even their Recovery Collection to optimize muscle recovery make sure there's something for absolutely everyone. If you sleep, you need these.

Dagsmejan Temperature-Regulating Sleep & Loungewear—Shop Here!

Remedy Tea Tree Soap

Trueremedy Naturals

Sometimes your regular body wash just isn't enough to make you feel fresh (we get it). This cooling soap is excellent for keeping underarms, bra lines, and skin creases feeling clean and refreshed—all. day. long. Since it includes tea tree oil and peppermint, make sure to test a small area of your skin before using it everywhere. It's also cooling, so we suggest keeping it away from sensitive areas. Remedy Tea Tree Soap ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Blackhead Remover Pore Vacuum

YAYIET

You've probably seen a ton of ads for these floating around, but with almost 3,000 Amazon reviewers rating it 4.8 out of 5 stars, it looks like this one really works. Tip: don't leave the suction piece on the surface of your skin too long. Like, at all. You'll end up with bruises versus clear pores. Trust us. Blackhead Remover Pore Vacuum ($19.99)—Buy Here!

esme Seaweed-Based Undies

esme

Yep, you read that right. These undies are made with seaweed, but stick with us here. They're incredibly soft and silky and comfortable, yes. But the real draw here is that they're breathable, antibacterial, more absorbent than cotton, and moisture-wicking. They also don't include any chemicals and are sustainable, eco-friendly, low resource, and ethically made. They're available in 4 color options and made in either a thong or full brief style. You'll never go back. esme Seaweed-Based Undies ($24.00+)—Buy Here!

Trash Can Deodorizer

Amazon

Everyone's trash smells. That's what trash does. But if you don't want to be smacked in the face with the odor from last night's dinner or your pup's potty pads, sprinkle a little of this deodorizer directly in the trash every time you add to it.

Trash Can Deodorizer ($5.69)—Buy Here!

Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral

If you've never struggled with dandruff, you're definitely one of the lucky ones (though we're not mad at you). Not only can it make you self-conscious and wary of wearing dark colors, dandruff can also be incredibly uncomfortable, itchy, and downright painful. There are over 83k people who have been through it all, too, who rate Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo with 4.6 stars. Even some folks who feel like they've tried everything swear by this one. Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo ($15.88)—Buy Here!

Miracle Patch Pimple Patches

Rael

They're not kidding around; pimple patches work. Should you be embarrassed about a breakout? Absolutely not. But it can be uncomfortable and even painful when those blemishes show up. Pop on a patch and watch it pull all the gunk out of your spots and soothe your skin. You'll be able to literally see your skin become less inflamed, not so red, and blemishes become much smaller (if not gone) overnight. Miracle Patch Pimple Patches ($16.99)—Buy Here!

Poo-Pourri

Poo-Pourri

Before you ask: yes, it works. This stuff is brilliant (spray a couple of pumps on the surface of the water before you go, not after) and keeps odors contained. Poo-Pourri ($24.78/pk of 3)—Buy Here!

Callus Remover Solution

Lee Beauty

Take this one seriously. This super-effective callus remover is powerful and is made with magnesium sulfate, so we highly recommend using gloves and making sure you have everything you need right next to you (and only use it where needed). When used as directed, even the toughest of heels can be baby smooth. Callus Remover Solution ($15.99)—Buy Here!

Apothékary Take the Edge Off Herbal Tincture

Apothékary

Should you be embarrassed to enjoy a glass of wine? No. Should you be embarrassed if you skip drinking? No. Apothékary's Take the Edge Off Herbal Tincture can easily go up against any glass of white wine when you add a few drops to sparkling water. With powerful herbs that are shown to reduce tension, relax muscles, and even promote better sleep*, Take the Edge Off may become your new evening ritual. (More of a red wine person? Try Stop Your Wine-ing Powder!) Apothékary Take the Edge Off Herbal Tincture ($39.00)—Buy Here!

*This is in no way intended as medical advice. Speak to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement program, even natural products.

TUCKS Medicated Hemorrhoid Cooling Pads

TUCKS

These have been around for a long time, and there's a good reason. TUCKS helps to soothe and protect irritation due to hemorrhoids and are easy to use, and can even be used as a compress by leaving them in place for up to 15 minutes. TUCKS Medicated Hemorrhoid Cooling Pads ($7.68)—Buy Here!

Nose Hair Wax Kit

Wokaar

Believe it or not, Amazon reviewers rave about this waxing kit specifically designed for your nose. If you're over nose hair trimmers that aren't that awesome or plucking (yikes—ouch!), you'll want to give this close-to-painless kit a try. Nose Hair Wax Kit ($17.99)—Buy Here!

TheraBreath

TheraBreath

TikTok rarely leads us astray, and they've done it again with its love of TheraBreath. This mouthwash supports fresh breath for up to 24 hours and is truly a glow-up from the old green stuff you've been using for years. TheraBreath ($15.32/pk of 2)—Buy Here!

ZOOP Pro Enzyme Stain & Odor Remover

ZOOP

An all-surface stain and odor remover especially for pet owners , ZOOP even works on years-old stains. It leaves behind a light orangey scent that's not overpowering, either. No more pet smell. ZOOP Pro Enzyme Stain & Odor Remover ($17.45)—Buy Here!

Kitsch Dermaplaner Facial Razors

Kitsch

Haven't jumped on the dermaplaning bandwagon yet? You'll wonder why you waited so long after using these. They gently remove the peach fuzz that we all have and leaves your complexion ready to absorb products better, a smoother makeup application, and an all-around glow. Kitsch Dermaplaner Facial Razors ($8.99)—Buy Here!

Posture Corrector Bra

LEONISA

A bra that doesn't add any unwanted bulk and offers supreme posture support (since we're all slumped over our laptops constantly—you're doing it right now, aren't you?). Available in black, white, and nude in sizes 34B—42DD/E.

Posture Corrector Bra ($50.00)—Buy Here!

Girlfriend Collective Pet Hair-Resistant Activewear

Girlfriend Collective

Pet hair, don't care? 100%. We all love our activewear, but it somehow manages to pick up every. single. fuzz. in our house. Girlfriend Collective not only has adorable, versatile, flattering, and size-inclusive pieces (XXS to 6XL!), but their Float and Compression collections are pet hair-resistant, so if you don't already live in your Girlfriend Collective pieces (like we do), you'll definitely want to start now.

Girlfriend Collective Float Collection—Shop Here!   
Girlfriend Collective Compression Collection—Shop Here!

Kyvol Cybovac E31 Wi-Fi Connected Vacuum & Mopping Robot

Wellbots

Why is it that we don't see how dirty out floors are until we don't have time to do anything about it? Enter this vacuum and mopping robot that you can control using the app, so you can set cleaning cycles, modes, and more, without even being at home. Plus, no more separate cleaning devices for hard and soft surfaces. Does it get easier?

Kyvol Cybovac E31 Wi-Fi Connected Vacuum & Mopping Robot ($249.00)—Buy Here!


All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Postpartum hair loss can be helped. Really.

Having a baby means a million and one changes. Whether it’s your schedule, your body, and literally everything in between, everything is totally turned on its head. No pun intended, but your hair is definitely added to that list. Postpartum hair loss is a classic challenge for many, if not most, new moms, but until it’s actually happening to you, it’s hard to fully understand what the big deal is. But after having thick, luxurious hair during pregnancy (one of the bonuses), watching it thin back out, change texture or lose strength can be not-so-awesome.

But, rest assured you’re not alone. And, postpartum hair loss is such a common problem, there are definitely some solutions that are effective and accessible. No snake oil or empty promises here. These solutions are tried-and-true. Shampoos, styling products, concealers. They’re all here. We’ve gone through soooooo many options and have picked some of our favorites. They’re highly-rated, proven to work, and easy to get your hands on. Editor’s Note: Keep in mind, lots of good things take time. Don’t totally give up if you don’t see immediate improvement. Also, your results will vary. This is not intended to be considered medical advice. We encourage speaking to your healthcare provider about your hair loss concerns, especially if you’re noticing extreme shedding, sudden thinning, and/or irritation.

VEGAMOUR GRO Revitalizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Vegamour

The VEGAMOUR GRO Shampoo features a proprietary Karmatin b-SILK protein which smooths damaged hair, improves the appearance of damage caused by heat and coloring, absorbs dirt and oil, locks in hydration, and protects hair color. The moisturizing conditioner is ultra-rich and promotes visibly fuller hair. You'll start to notice a difference around month 3, with full effects around your 4th month of use when you follow the instructions.

VEGAMOUR GRO Revitalizing Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle ($80.00)—Buy Here!

inala Triple Threat Tonic

inala

Rice water is a powerhouse ingredient for hair strength, and inala's Triple Threat Tonic uses it to formulate a priming, styling, refreshing treatment for all hair types. You'll reduce breakage, add light hold, and hydrate and freshen up your hair between washes. inala Triple Threat Tonic can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair.

inala Triple Threat Tonic ($29.00)—Buy Here!

Luvme Hair

Luvme Hair

Okay, you caught us. We did say many of these products take time to see results, but if you're just not into waiting, Luvme Hair offers gorgeous wigs for immediate glam results. Of course, you can choose to rock them while you wait for other treatments to take effect, cover any thinning that makes you self-conscious, or just change up your look whenever you feel like it. Luvme Hair is all about the power to change. And with these options, you'll have lots of reasons to do just that.

Luvme Hair ($49.90+)—Buy Here!

2% Minoxidil Spray with Biotin

Amazon

2% Minoxidil has been proven to restore thinning hair, reduce hair loss, and help keep your scalp healthy. There are a lot of Minoxidil options out there, but this one has great reviews at a wallet-friendly price.

2% Minoxidil Spray with Biotin ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Editor's Note: This is not intended as medical advice. Speak to your healthcare provider before beginning treatment with Minoxidil or any other medicated product. Minoxidil is not for use by pregnant or nursing women, and those with other conditions outlined by your doctor.

OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque

OUAI

Don’t skip the conditioner even if you have fine or thin hair. It can still get damaged and coarse, and this hair masque from OUAI can be used as frequently as needed (though if you fall into the fine hair category, you'll likely use it less than you might otherwise). 

OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Living Proof 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

Sephora

This cream is powered by Living Proof’s "healthy hair molecule" to smooth and protect by forming a weightless shield around each hair strand, while the "thickening molecule" creates space between strands for hair that looks and feels fuller. That sounds like a lot of science, but the customer ratings speak for themselves. The result? Smooth, strong, voluminous hair—and endless compliments (here for that).

Living Proof 5-in-1 Styling Treatment ($33.00)—Buy Here!

ANYA Scalp Serum

ANYA

Free of toxic chemicals, 100% vegan, and safe while breastfeeding, this serum from ANYA is formulated with powerful ingredients shown to stimulate hair follicles and promote fuller, thicker hair. Best results are seen after 90 days of use. so patience is a virtue here.

ANYA Scalp Serum ($31.50+)—Buy Here!

A22 Biotin Boost Hair + Scalp Serum

Spoiled Child

Increase the appearance of thicker, fuller, healthier hair with this innovative blend of 100+ vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential oils that has been shown to support your natural healthy hair cycle and to combat signs of thinning & shedding. Caffeine, biotin, rosemary oil, and more are all safe for sensitive skin.

A22 Biotin Boost Hair + Scalp Serum ($49.00)—Buy Here!

The Complete Routine by Oh Hey Mama

Oh Hey Mama

This powerful hair bundle is specially formulated to help you fight the scalp issues that cause slow growth, breakage, and excessive shedding. Formulated with stimulating herbs and extracts for growth, nourishing oils that heal and protect, and DHT-blocking ingredients that help fight the most common hormonal reason for hair thinning and fall-out.

The Complete Routine by Oh Hey Mama ($83.00)—Buy Here!

Nutrafol Postpartum Hair Growth Supplements

Nutrafol

We typically don't recommend supplements, largely because they work differently from person to person. But everything we've read about Nurtrafol makes us confident in their Postpartum Hair Growth Supplements. Their ingredients are standardized to make sure each serving is the same, plus this formula is breastfeeding-friendly. You know what we're going to say, though. Make sure you speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Nutrafol Postpartum Hair Growth Supplements ($82.99)—Buy Here!

Bombay Clip-In Hair Extensions

Bombay Hair

Even if you've never used hair extensions before, or even considered them, they can make a huge difference. Bombay clip-in hair extensions are so, so user-friendly, and come in a ton of colors, lengths, and weights (yep, weight matters with hair extensions—if you have weaker or brittle hair, you'll want to go for lightweight extensions to avoid breakage). Bombay Hair also does a custom color match—just send in photos of your hair per their website instructions and they'll tell you your best match.

Bombay Clip-In Hair Extensions ($105.00+)—Buy Here!

Toppik Hair Filler Keratin Fiber

Toppik

Toppik is a well-known name in thinning hair solutions. These little fibers work like fibers in some mascara formulas—they conceal roots, fill in sparse areas, and add volume. It comes in several colors, and Toppik highly recommends finishing it with their FiberHold Spray.

Toppik Hair Filler Keratin Fiber ($24.95)—Buy Here!

Voloom Volumizing Iron

Voloom

This grid-patterned heated iron is designed to be used right at your roots, hidden by the rest of your hair, to provide immediate boost, volume, and texture. It's not a curling iron or a flat iron—it's created to lift your hair up and away from your scalp for volume that can last for days, depending on your hair type and products used.

Voloom Volumizing Iron ($139.99)—Buy Here!

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

It is officially summer here—and as a mom, I have had it! This summer, I am taking a stand and declaring that this summer is for every mom bod out there, and it will be the summer that we wear the DAMN bathing suit!

Rock that Mom Bod

I understand how self-conscious it is to be a mom—believe me!  I see young twenty-somethings at the beach that look like they stepped out of a photoshoot as opposed to our day at the beach that involved a million “necessities,” a toddler who threw a tantrum and not one moment to enjoy my beer since I’m not only mom, I’m doubling as a lifeguard, too.

I, too, was once a young twenty-something who arrived at the beach without a care in the world. In fact, if my college self saw me in a two-piece today, she would probably tell me to rock the one-piece instead. But my college self was so naive and thought that her body could take anything (honestly, it had survived way too many nights of tequila shots and Natty Light).

What my college self didn’t know were all the amazing things that my body would be capable of doing. I am still in awe that my body could create and carry a beautiful smart little girl in just 42 weeks. And then, after 22 hours of labor and an emergency c-section, it would bounce right back to take care of this small, delicate newborn. And still, throughout her first year of life, my mom bod could provide the sole form of nutrition to that little girl—and even a little extra to donate to babies in need. My body could survive off very little sleep, be drained to the point where I thought I had nothing left—and then give more.

Our bodies are truly amazing in what we can do, not only as moms but as women.

Wear the Damn Bathing Suit

I know that as a mom, I am guilty of trying to hide the stretch marks, baby weight and c-section scars and shelf when in all honesty, I should rock them as the battle scars they are. These marks and parts of our body that we deem are unsightly are actually signs of our body’s strength—proof that our body can do anything.

Moms deserve to wear the damn bathing suit—and feel as beautiful as our children see us. Rock the c-section scars, stretch marks and baby weight as you chase after your wonderful children in the ocean.

Wear the damn bathing suit so you don’t miss out on time with your family. Rather than sit on the side of the pool fully-clothed worrying about the size of your thighs, put on your bathing suit and play Marco Polo in the pool with your kids. Teach your littles how to do cannonballs. Make memories with your family rather than sit on the sidelines and watch memories being made around you.

The truth is, your kids won’t remember your stretch marks, baby weight or the c-section shelf. Your kids will remember the afternoon you spent building the largest sandcastle they have ever seen or those morning swims at the neighborhood pool.

Maybe if all of us moms got out this summer and wore our damn bathing suits, it would help encourage other moms to get out there and do the same.

We only get so many summers with our kids, let’s not waste them worrying about how we look—instead, let’s just wear the damn bathing suit.

 

Ashley Gillis is a mom to a beautiful, spunky little girl and is the Co-Founder of Hampton Roads Moms, a lifest‌yle blog and resource for Mom's in South East Virginia. She is a lover of the beach, margaritas, coffee, running and speaking her mind. You can get more of Ashley at www.hrvamoms.com.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Books are a powerful way to connect with your child and to promote important values like kindness and acceptance. Fill your child’s library with books that encourage and celebrate diversity and inclusion in all forms. Your little one can learn from these books that differences are what make us all special.


children books that encourage diversity happy and you know it

Happy and You Know It!

$5 BUY NOW

Learn this kid-favorite song with a book full of smiling children of different races. This Indestructibles book is designed for littles; it's washable and won't rip or tear.


children's books that encourage diversity everywhere babies

Everywhere Babies

$7 BUY NOW

This simply written and sweetly illustrated board book shows babies of all origins being cared for in all sorts of ways. Small babies, tall babies, summer and fall babies. One thing they all have in common is that they’re all kissed and fed and rocked to sleep by people who love them.


childrens books that promote diversity my first heroes black history

My First Heroes: Black History

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Learn about how Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou and Serena Williams changed history by changing laws and breaking records.


Completely Me

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A young girl learns she's different only when other people point it out. She stands up for herself and teaches the people around her (and readers!) about self-acceptance and embracing our differences.


Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

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Through this picture book ode to fry bread, readers learn through their senses; how it looks, smells and sounds while cooking. There's also a recipe to make your own fry bread.


ABCs of Black History

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Teach kids about Black history and culture from A to Z. P is for Power; H is for Zora Neale Hurston. Written in rhyming text, the book includes information about the important folks, places and events mentioned.


childrens books that encourage diversity antiracist baby

Antiracist Baby

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Learn how to cultivate a more equitable world by following the nine steps in this book, which is filled with thoughtful rhymes and beautiful, bold illustrations.


childrens books that promote diversity baby young gifted and black

Baby Young, Gifted, and Black

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This lyrical board book introduces babies to Black leaders and changemakers from the past and present. A mirror in the back lets kids see themselves alongside these heroes.


childrens books promote diversity we are family

We Are Family

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No matter how your family came to be or what it looks like, your commitment to stick together is what really matters. That’s the focus of this inclusive book for children that showcases fams of different sizes, races, abilities and more.


children's books that promote diversity baby talk

Baby Talk

$7 BUY NOW

A great book for older siblings to read to younger ones, Baby Talk is all about the simple but powerful ways in which we interact with babies. Told with accompanying high-contrast, black and white photos, it's also perfect for developing baby's eyesight.


Carry Me (Babies Everywhere)

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It’s rhyme time for babies and tots in this simple story showing young children carried by bicep, blanket, basket, backpack, and more. Beginner book lovers will be fascinated with this collection of photographs depicting young children being carried by doting caregivers.


childrens books that promote diversity global babies

Global Babies

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Colorful photos abound in this board book featuring babes from 17 different countries throughout the world. Sneak a peek at the lives, cultures and traditions of families with wee ones far and wide.


Nursery Rhymes and Rhythms

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"Black Boy Joy" and "Black Girl Magic" are two of the stories in this inspiring collection of new tales and classic nursery rhymes retold with a modern twist. These uplifting tales celebrate empathy and connection while featuring, and affirming, black and brown children.


Say Hello

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Introduce your babe to the sounds of different languages with a glimpse at a diverse neighborhood full of people speaking Spanish, French, Japanese and more. The kid-friendly collage pictures also make for an exciting glimpse of some diverse cultures.


All Are Welcome

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Watch as a diverse mix of children wearing everything from pigtails and patkas to glasses and hijabs and yarmulkes make their way through school. The illustrations full of young families of all kinds are what make this picture book a feast for little eyes.


children's books promote diversity pink and blue

Pink or Blue

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Some people will insist that pink is for girls and blue is for boys. But many of us know that simply isn’t true. Pink and Blue goes well beyond color to break down gender stereotypes and start an early and often dialogue about how boys and girls should question such traditional, nonsensical ideas.


children's books that encourage diversity the name jar

The Name Jar

$8 BUY NOW

It’s not easy being the new kid in school, especially when your teachers and classmates can’t pronounce your name. Unhei is suddenly self-conscious of her Korean name and decides to choose a new one. Until her new friends convince her to keep it!


Of Thee I Sing

$9 BUY NOW

From George Washington to Georgia O’Keeffe, and from Jackie Robinson to Maya Lin, this piece of U.S. history in a picture book sheds light on the diverse faces, qualities and achievements of thirteen Americans. Perusing its pages is like looking at our country’s own yearbook.


When Charley Met Emma

$11 BUY NOW

Charley feels different from other children. Sometimes he likes to play with his friends, but other times he prefers to draw by himself. Then he meets Emma, who is also different. She has no hands and uses a wheelchair. Their meeting and interactions can inspire parents to talk to their little ones about disability and kindness and inclusion starting at an early age.

Make sure to capture some sweet storytime moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Mownika Chawla

Mownika Chawla was born in India, but shortly after her birth, her family relocated to Texas. She stayed connected to her Indian heritage while in TX, and after her first child was born, HAVA was created.

Growing up in Texas as an Indian-American wasn’t easy. I wasn’t surrounded by people that looked like me, that ate the foods we ate at our dining table and I didn’t see other moms that dressed like mine. I often found myself very self-conscious of being so different and ultimately, that feeling impacted the way I saw myself and the world around me. These were the experiences I reflected on when I became a mother. I wanted to make sure my kids were surrounded by the tools and resources that would help them embrace their unique identity as well as learn to appreciate the differences they saw in others.

The most rapid brain development occurs in the first five years of a child’s life, and especially in the first three. During this time, teaching children about cultures and communities other than their own, encourages curiosity and helps develop empathy. When we teach children to see themselves as citizens of the world, we are doing our part in raising a stronger generation with greater respect and openness towards one another with a hope that as they grow, they see themselves bound together as a global community.

Since it’s not always possible to take kids out into the world to experience every community first hand, we rely on tools to bring the world to them. Different cultures can be explored through the clothes we wear, the foods we eat, the books we read, the languages we speak and even by way of observing our own and new traditions. We are living in an unprecedented time of conscious parenting and because of that, there are more resources available than ever before to support our parenting to us in doing so.


1

Mila Dress - Indian Garden

Organic Cotton Dress

$39.95

Featuring a wrap silhouette, this timeless, pint-size Mila day to night dress is as versatile as it is adorable. This organic dress is bound to be a favorite for moms and their littles.

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2

Kai Vest - Jungle

Organic Cotton Vest

$39

Inspired by full-grown formal wear, scaled down for little Saturday adventures and family gatherings alike.This GOTS certified organic vest is a wonderful way to brighten up your child's wardrobe.

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3

Our Favorite Day of the Year

Book about holidays and traditions

$16.55

In this charming story of friendship and celebrating differences, young readers can discover how entering a new friendship with an open mind and sharing parts of yourself brings people together. And the calendar of holidays at the end of the book will delight children as they identify special events they can celebrate with friends throughout the year

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4

This is Our World

Discover the world

$14.26

This Is Our World, written by Tracey Turner, is a colorful celebration of our planet’s cultural and environmental diversity―an unforgettable journey that brings the people, customs, and wildlife of 20 places around the world vividly to life for young readers. Our guides are children who tell us about the animals, plants, and weather that they encounter; the feasts and festivals they enjoy; and the clothes they wear, the way they learn, the languages they speak, and the sports and games they play

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5

Sandwiches and Samosas

Food can bring us together

$19.95

Absolutely EVERYONE brings sandwiches for lunch. No matter how much they love their home-cooked Indian food, Neeva and Nimi couldn't possibly pack something different in their lunchboxes . . . or could they? In this yummy tale of food around the world, one group of friends finds out how delicious diverse food can be! Food is a fun way to introduce different cultures to your child. Check out @thechutneylife and @lovelaughmirch on Instagram for delicious recipes for the whole family!

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6

Habbi Habbi

Bilingual learning

$109

Hearing languages spoken by a native speaker is invaluable in creating a foundation for our littles. This starter set is the perfect entry into Habbi Habbi's world of bilingual learning, offering a mix of Word, Phrase and Sentence books from their collection. Every inch of their books is tappable, bringing each page to life with sound and music. Language learning has never been so playful and fun! We use the Spanish starter set with our 7-month-old and 3-year-old and they both love it!

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7

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Journey of self empowerment

$16.55

A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages For more wonderful book and activity recommendations check out @shelvesofcolor on Instagram.

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8

Miniland Family Diversity Blocks

Explore different types of families

$35

Handling the game blocks facilitates the knowledge of the different family models that exist today. The game encourages respect for diversity through the verbalization of the different types of families.

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9

InKidz Australia Day Box

Learn about Australia Day

$49

Discover fun-filled games that Australians play on Australia Day with their family and friends. Explore a different dialect and learn new and unique words from Australia. Build early language skills, geographical awareness, and promote global understanding with these teaching tools in our box!

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10

Shifu Orboot

Explore the world

$54.99

Orboot Globe + app takes your child on an augmented reality based journey around the world. Fun. Interactive. Educational. Learn Geography, History, Environmental Science, and more. Theres so much to learn with this globe, you'll be learning along side your child!

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My daughter’s soccer league called it “Silent Saturday.”

On the designated day, we parents are instructed to be quiet. No cheering. No shouting. Just applauding if the team scored a goal or made a good move. 

The league couched the request as an opportunity for players to make decisions and moves on their own during the game, right or wrong, without parental interference. But it also came amid reports of increasing bad behavior by parents—not necessarily in our youth soccer league but across the country, from parents running onto the field and interfering with a game to punching a referee.  

It’s concerning. How we as parents behave on the sidelines influences how much our child enjoys competing. When we’re supportive, it motivates them and encourages them to keep playing. When we’re too critical, or act inappropriately, we place unnecessary pressure on them or make them feel anxious—and that, studies show, can drive them to quit. 

So what is a parent to do? 

Ask the kids, for one. 

It may seem like a no-brainer. Cheer, clap, shout encouragement—parents assume we know how our kids want us to act. But it’s actually a lot more nuanced and complex than parents think, says Camilla Knight, Ph.D., associate professor of sports science at Swansea University in the United Kingdom. 

“Parents need to take the lead from their child and remember it’s their child’s experience,” Knight tells MOJO. “Although a parent might think they are being really supportive and encouraging, research indicates that parents and children often interpret or perceive behaviors differently.” 

That said, in her research, including a study she co-authored in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, certain behaviors stood out. 

Among her advice: 

1. Cheer for the Entire Team.
Support all the players on the team, not just your child. In the study, players appreciated seeing their parents clap not just for them but for their teammates. Said one of the players, “It makes you a closer team and you work harder together.”

2. Don’t Coach.
Unless you’re the coach, of course. When parents try to instruct their child from the sidelines, it is distracting and confusing, especially if the parent is shouting something that’s completely different from the coach. Should the child listen to the coach or the parent? 

3. Don’t Embarrass Your Child.
Keep your emotions in check and don’t draw undue attention to yourself. Players, especially teenage girls, reported feeling self-conscious about how their parents behaved, even if it was in a supportive way. You may think your daughter wants you to shout, “That’s my girl!” But think again—and check with your child first.   

4. Respect the Ref.
It should go without saying, don’t argue with the referee, or, worse yet, fight with the referee in front of the team. One player in the study said that parents arguing with the referee “is pretty disrespectful. It makes me feel ashamed that they’re doing that for…my team.” 

5. If Necessary, Distract Yourself.
If you find yourself getting too involved in your child’s game, find ways to distract yourself, Knight suggests. Volunteer to take photos or videos during the game, for instance. Put on headphones and listen to an audiobook or podcast. Chat with fellow parents. 

6. Make Your Own Game Plan.
Knight also recommends running through various scenarios and how to respond. Ask yourself how you’d like to see yourself react if your child gets hurt, if a referee makes a bad call or if the team loses. Anticipating these situations can help you develop strategies to cope.  

Knight acknowledges that it’s easy for parents to become too wrapped up in a game, given today’s hyper-competitive, emotionally-charged environment—made worse by what she calls the “increasingly professionalized culture” that requires vast amounts of time, money and emotional energy. “It is much harder to ‘just’ be supportive than lots of people think,” Knight says. 

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What to Say on the Car Ride Home

This post originally appeared on MOJO.

MOJO is on a mission to make youth sports more fun for everyone — one kid, one coach, one family at a time. 

Traveling with teens and tweens can present challenges, but it can also be loads of fun and great way to bond as a family. There are lots of ways to help make traveling with teens a lot less stressful. As the mom of a 15-year old, I’ve learned some tricks and tips! Here are 10 tips to help make your trip a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone in your family.

1. Include teens in the planning process. It’s a family vacation, so why not include the whole family when it comes to making the plans? Teens have definite likes and dislikes. If you engage them from the start of the vacation planning process – listen to their ideas, have them help research destinations and activities – they will feel empowered and get excited about the trip.

You can also enlist their help in planning the itinerary once you know where you are going. If they have a favorite type of food, let them research local restaurants. Have them look at the websites for the hotels you are considering, and let them give input on which one looks the best. The more your teen is involved in the planning process, the more vested they will be in having a good time on the trip!

2. Consider letting them bring a friend. If your teen is an only child or has siblings that are not close in age, consider allowing him to invite a friend! This will give your teen a buddy to talk and have fun with, and take the pressure off you (as the parents) being the only source of company for your teen while on vacation.

3. Visit a place they’ve read about. History comes alive when you visit the place something happened, and the same thing goes for literature. Kids read a lot of books in middle and high school. If you go to a place they’ve read about, that will bring a whole new appreciation for the book to your teen.

4. Make sure they get some free time. Traveling with teens is all about enjoying time together as a family, but too much of a good thing can get old for teens who are used to hanging with their friends. Make sure they have a little free time worked into every day so they can do their own thing. Whether it is going to the hotel gym on their own or having some downtime in the hotel room to text with friends or play games online, a little free time will go far.

5. Respect their privacy. Your kid may have had no problem running around a hotel room naked when they were little, but teenagers embarrass easily and are very private. Give them the respect they need. Don’t try to go into the bathroom to brush your teeth while they’re in the shower, and don’t say things that might make them self-conscious. In fact, the biggest favor you can do for a teen is leave the room for half an hour and let them take care of their business in peace!

6. Do a good deed on vacation. Vacations are a good opportunity to give back. Doing good for others is an awesome feeling, and a great value to instill upon your children. For this reason, I am a huge fan of volunteer vacations! But you don’t always have to plan your entire trip around volunteering; sometimes just a day or one activity on your itinerary can make a huge difference. If your goal is to leave a positive impact while setting out on new adventures, find a way to volunteer while you’re on your trip. It can be as simple as going to an animal sanctuary and leaving a small donation or participating in a charity event while visiting a new city.

7. Plan on some active activities. Even if your idea of a great vacation is lying on the beach 24/7, teens have energy to burn. Make sure you include some activities that will help everyone stay active and healthy on your vacation. Now, does that mean you have to go zip lining through the jungle or propel down a mountain? No, of course not! Active can mean taking a simple hike, renting bikes, or participating in some water sports at a nearby beach.

8. Let them pick the playlist. If your teen is into music, put them in charge of the road trip playlist. Or at least let them pick the radio station. My son and I made the five-hour drive to Vegas not too long ago and letting him stream the music he loved was actually a cool, unexpected bonding experience on the long trip. (Who knew he liked so many of the ’80s metal bands I listened to in high school?!)

9. Choose a hotel with free breakfast. Teens like to eat—a lot! When you’re away from home relying on eating out for every meal, the cost of food can add up quickly! Do your budget a favor and book a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast. Even if it’s just fruit and some waffles, filling up in the morning until lunchtime will save you a ton of money in the long run.

10. Be flexible. My final and possibly most important tip is to be flexible! As anyone with a teen likely knows, they can be a moody bunch. Don’t schedule out every minute of every day when you are traveling with teens. If you keep your plans flexible, everyone in your family will have a good time.

Time goes by quickly and your teens will soon be adults. You’ll always be a family, but family vacations may look very different in the future. Enjoy the time you have together and be flexible and understanding to make sure the memories you’re making will be good ones for everyone!

 

 

 

This post originally appeared on HealthyTravelMom.com.

I am a travel writer, wife, mother and believer in all things happy and healthy. I created my family travel website, CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com, to share the best tips, destinations and experiences in California and beyond for active, healthy families. 

A bouquet of freshly-picked flowers. (Champagne) breakfast in bed. Five minutes to breathe (or shower) without interruption. While these Mother’s Day gifts are all fine and dandy, here’s another way to celebrate Sunday, May 9: Support Chicagoland-based small businesses run by some of the coolest moms in town! Take a look at how these women balance creative careers and kids (while, in some cases, also creating all-new programming that helps your family thrive). . . during a worldwide pandemic.

Briana Beazley of Nadia Girl

Nadia Girl, owned by local mom Briana Beazley, makes tween clothing that not only feels and fits great but also helps girls feel more confident. All of the line’s designer duds are made of sustainable materials, with a portion of sales dedicated to organizations that empower girls through education.

“I began seeing my daughter struggling with her self-confidence while also being challenged to find her quality clothing that fits well,” shared Beazley. “I quickly learned that my daughter wasn’t alone. According to studies, girls as young as 9 often begin feeling insecure about themselves and their bodies. Poor-fitting clothing can make them feel even more self-conscious, insecure, and uncomfortable in their skin.”

How does Beazley manage mom-ing while running a sustainable tween fashion line? “I believe I balance running a creative business as a woman entrepreneur and being a mom probably the same way every other parent has to: I have learned to juggle. Some days are better than others! But my daughter really helps give me a great insight into the clothing her and her friends like and are looking for. And I’m incredibly grateful to have a daughter who is fairly self-sufficient now, which makes a big difference, especially when we are all at home!”

Online: nadiagirl.com

Jessica Roubitchek of Purple Monkey Playroom

Purple Monkey Playroom via Yelp

I opened Purple Monkey Playroom when my daughter was just shy of turning two,” explained Jessica Roubitchek, owner of Bucktown’s fave playspace. “I made the decision to keep the nanny I had initially hired when my maternity leave ended, even though what I was able to pull from my brand-new business often didn't cover the cost of retaining her. It was an investment in the future of my business and was the only way that I could have made a go of it. I am happy to report that it was the right decision and that eight years later, we are still going strong.”

Purple Monkey is a bright, nurturing destination for young children, parents and caregivers, offering drop-in play times, parties and more. In this time of social distancing, they are currently offering small group and private playtime. They managed to sneak in a small design-on-a-dime renovation during COVID shutdowns, so they're excited to showcase their upgrades.  

Online: purplemonkeyplayroom.com

Kristen Flather of Makoshey

Makoshey

Tired of the same old tight, short, and sparkly clothing options for their three girls, Kristen Flather, together with her husband, Fred, started Makoshey, a clothing company that focuses on comfy, stylish and durable duds made to keep up with girls who want to climb, explore, invent, dream, run, play and create.

Makoshey’s t-shirts are proudly printed in Chicago, and feature an ideal blended fabric pairing a super soft feel with reliable durability.

Online: makoshey.com

Val Kahan of Art Makers Outpost

In 2019, Valerie Kahan decided she was done being torn between work and spending time with her kids. So she set out to build a business of her own: Art Makers Outpost, an environmentally conscious art makers-space for young artists and adults.

“I created Art Makers Outpost in part as a way to share creative, quality time with my kids. It’s a place where we can always be creating, side-by-side, as co-workers working on our own things, or on new art and ideas, together during closed hours. My kids often are the ones that come up with the project ideas for our classes!"

Online: artmakersoutpost.com

Randi Whitman of Frog Temple Pilates

Frog Temple Pilates via Yelp

Randi Whitman was a professional dancer in her 20’s when she ruptured a disc in her lumbar spine. “I tried everything to mend myself without surgery,” said Whitman. “Nothing was really doing the trick. Then, I discovered Pilates.”

Today Whitman teaches her clients how to strengthen their bodies as “a whole picture, vs. pieces and parts”, via Pilates, a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Her bright, airy Bucktown studio, Frog Temple Pilates, offers group classes, private and semi-private lessons, as well as massage therapy. 

“Balancing being a mom and a small business owner is truly a challenge,” said Whitman. “My husband and I really take on sharing the responsibilities, of which I am grateful for! Carpools, homework, sports, recitals, playdates, not to mention cooking and keeping the house in order on top of running the business is extremely challenging, but I do love it. That is not to say I am not falling over exhausted at the end of the day. Both of my “lives” are my passions. I love what I do. I help so many people get their lives back every day.”

Online: Frogtemple.com

Anupy Singla of Indian As Apple Pie

Anupy Singla

Cookbook author and journalist Anupy Singla wears many hats. She’s the author of three books, including Indian For Everyone; a regular commentator on NPR; a culinary instructor at Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Whole Foods Market and the founder of a fast-growing food and housewares company, Indian As Apple Pie. She’s also the mom of two girls. 

“I began writing an Indian food blog to better feed my young girls and immerse them in Indian cuisine, something I still keep at the heart of everything I do, no matter how busy my days get. Even if my work world is spinning out of control around me, I always try to ensure that everything flows into the idea of having homecooked meal options for my family by day's end. That means spending time on a Sunday organizing my following week starting with recipe testing for the blog and my books. Once I have that covered and dinner planned out, it's so much easier to fill the rest of my hours with other key elements including product development, fulfilling orders, and social media posts and marketing. My most successful work and home weeks start with planning." 

For Mother's Day, Singla suggests paying a visit to her website indianasapplepie.com, where on the home page you'll see links to three categories of products. Folks can purchase a cookbook (which Singla will personally sign upon request), a set of lentils, and a pack of spices or spice blends, “the perfect combination of gourmet tastes, culinary adventure, and health.” All of Singla’s spice blends are roasted and ground in the United States, uncommon for spice blends, and the Tikka Masala sauce is one of the few vegan sauces of its kind on the market. 

Online: indianasapplepie.com

Stephanie Hart of Brown Sugar Bakery

Brown Sugar Bakery via Yelp

Stephanie Hart notes that opening her own business, Brown Sugar Bakery, in 2004, gave her more time to focus on being a mom. As she transformed from tech consultant to mompreneur, baking up her "dangerously delicious" cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies, pies and more at her Greater Grand Crossing bakery, she relished the extra time spent with her daughter. Her daughter is now a professional opera singer debuting at both the Lyric and Chicago Opera Theatre in 2019 while also still helping mom out with the bakery’s virtual branding strategy. Hart’s hard work paid off. She went on to open a second location, on Navy Pier, and was awarded America's Best Bakery on the Steve Harvey Show.

Brown Sugar Bakery prides itself on being a part of joyous family occasions and creating the taste of sweet memories. The bakery is best known for its specialty sweets, including sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and bread pudding as well as nearly 20 cake flavors, including German chocolate, red velvet, carrot and turtle.

Online: brownsugarbakerychicago.com

Kathy Ryan of Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School via Yelp

Countless Chicago kids have learned to swim in the shiver-free pools at Goldfish Swim School (Roscoe Village and Wicker Park), co-owned by local mom Kathy Ryan and her husband, Bob. Goldfish Swim School provides year-round swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 years-old in a unique setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 student to teacher ratio), shiver-free 90-degree pools, and a state-of-the-art water purification system. Families with children of different ages and skill levels can conveniently have all of their swimmers in the pool during the same half-hour time slot.

“Your kids get what they need from you even in these stressful times—whether I'm working or not, I aim to maintain a strong connection with my kids,” said Ryan. “There is a lot of social and emotional pressure right now, but no one has a map of how to handle this and we need to just remember to be kind to ourselves and others.”

Online: goldfishswimschool.com/roscoe-village

Tai Kojro-Badziak of zpd+a

zpd a

Tai Kojro-Badziak is a partner with zpd+a, a Chicago-based architecture firm with projects nationwide. “We focus on adaptive reuse, mixed-use/ multi-family new construction, hospitality, senior housing and some residential,” explained Kojro-Badziak. “We were aggressively expanding and considering hiring up to three new people at the beginning of March. . . and then everything was upended. I was watching the spread of COVID-19 since early January, and in early March we rapidly transitioned to a work-from-home scenario for our entire team a week before the official shelter-in-place orders. We have a home studio space that is now my architecture firm and a kindergarten classroom!

Running an architecture firm from home while simultaneously homeschooling isn’t for the faint of heart. “My secret to getting anything done is to write a list of targets for the day and the week, and focus on just a few each day. That happens on many levels, since we are managing the staff remotely, and that also includes everyone's energy and emotions. We make sure to have some laughs: a weekly office competition and happy hour chat for work, and long runs and bike rides for our family. And my husband and I make sure to take deep breaths, give each other and our 6-year-old the space to feel all the feels these days. No doubt, it's hard! But good communication, making art, taking hot baths, and wine are helping me through!”

Online at zpdarch.com

Liz Hansen of Chicago Boudoir Photography

Chicago Boudouir Photography via Yelp

When Liz Hansen founded Chicago Boudoir Photography studio, she aimed to offer a Victoria's-Secret-style photoshoot experience for the everyday woman. “Women in every stage of life and in every size and shape walk out of the boudoir studio feeling empowered and celebrated. I opened the photo studio because I believe that every woman is beautiful and that every woman deserves to feel confident through gorgeous portraits.”

Hansen also aimed to create a life that prioritized family. “One of the great things about owning my own business is that I get to customize the business to work for our family. My business focuses on a very personalized experience for each client, so I limit the number of photoshoots I do each month. This allows me to pamper my clients individually and also have family time. As with everything in life, there are always trade-offs, but I ultimately believe being an entrepreneur and business owner will set an example for my children that will help them achieve their goals in life—whatever those turn out to be!”

Online: chicago-boudoir.com

Sara Fisher & Caitlin Giles of 2 Moms Media LLC

© 2017 TK Photography, Thomas Kubik

Sara Fisher and Caitlin Giles founded 2 Moms Media LLC in 2011 after the dynamic mom duo realized a need to improve how brands reach moms. “Because we are moms and marketers ourselves, we can provide unparalleled expertise when it comes to connecting clients with their target audience of parents, women and other influencers,” said Fisher, mom of two boys. “We work with our clients to create and execute integrated marketing campaigns that deliver real results in line with strategy and budget.

Our services include media outreach, influencer management, grassroots marketing tactics, events, social media management, marketing analysis, brand positioning and more.” 

“Our kids have really grown up alongside our business,” shared mom-of-three Murray Giles. “Over the past decade, it has been fun to have them involved in our work—whether it is helping out at a community event, working with us to assemble media boxes or excitedly reporting that their friends are planning to have their birthday party at a new business we are promoting. Every day is generally packed with work and kids' activities and we do our best to juggle it all—just like every working mom does!”

Online: 2momsmedia.com

Monica Royer of Monica + Andy

Monica Andy via Yelp

A stop into Monica’s Monica + Andy shops (or a virtual website visit) should be a must-do on every mom’s shopping list. This mom created this oh-so-adorable kids’ and baby shop for the sole purpose of making things better for moms and their babies, focusing on everything from better fabrics to better ways to shop for them. From this simple concept grew a space where moms come together to not only shop, but bond at one of the many events that encompass singing, dancing, bubbles, music, yoga, laughter and learning. Best part? The larger events always have a charity that benefits. 

Monica shared, "My mom explained to me once as a kid that she would always tell me what I needed to hear vs. what I wanted to hear.  She said, You will have many friends in life but only one mom.” And her advice to young girls looking to carve their own paths, "Dream big, but know the path might be long. You will eventually get to where you want to go but don't be afraid to work hard doing and learning as much as you can in your 20's.   It is not always about specific job duties. Interacting with people is sometimes where you find real learning.”

Online: monicaandandy.com

Melissa Salvatore of A Little Photo Studio

Melissa Salvatore

Growing up in Phoenix, Melissa thought she’d be one of two things: A photographer or she’d live on a farm, wear overalls every day and marry a guy named Bob. Well, some poor schmuck named Bob missed out, because, lucky us, she chose photography. But, as mom to Bennett (5) and Owen (1), she has managed to maintain that girl-in-overalls mentality, really taking the time to enjoy the simple pleasures in being a parent–bike rides to the lakefront, relishing in those quiet moments at home where her oldest says something mind-blowing or feeling pride when they take the time to interact and say hello to a stranger on the street. 

Melissa's advice to young women is, ”I think it would be to say “it’s ok” - whatever path that you choose: Stay-at-home mom or working mom OR not a mom. I think women have created so many roles for themselves that they have to feel good about what they choose and not put so much pressure on themselves because you can’t have the best-designed home, be involved in every kid and school activity, be the most successful at your job . . . you have to let a few things go and leave room for different things to take the front seat at different times in your life."

Online: alittlephotostudio.com

Julie (Greenberg) Jenkins of Midnight Circus in the Parks

Midnight Circus in the Parks

As a young girl growing up in Champaign, IL, Julie briefly thought she might be destined for a career in accounting. When she realized her skillset doesn’t include the ability to balance a checkbook, she swung her focus 180 degrees to being on the Muppet Show in any capacity at all. While that dream didn’t come to fruition either—your loss, Kermit!—she isn’t too far from hitting her target.

Julie is one-half of the husband and wife team that created Midnight Circus in the Parks. If you haven’t caught one of their traveling circus shows, you’re missing out! Not only will you see Julie, her husband, Jeff, and a close-knit group of professional performers, you’ll spot their son Maxwell (11) and daughter Samantha Rae (9) performing for over 15,000 people annually in parks all across Chicago. Serving as her greatest role models, Julie’s parents taught her the power of a good work ethic and the importance of giving to others—that as a society, we are only as strong as our weakest members. Putting that community mindset in motion, Midnight Circus in the Parks has raised over $900,000 for Chicago Public Parks to build play lots, provide new equipment and subsidize special programs for neighborhood parks.

Online: midnightcircus.net

— Amy Bizzarri

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My three year old has literally been sucking his thumb since he was in the womb. The doctor saw him doing it on the sonogram and said, “You have a thumb sucker on your hands.”

The other morning, while snuggling with both of my sons before getting up for the day, I snapped a picture of both of them, sucking their thumbs. 

While the SLP in me was screaming, “NO! I can’t have two thumb suckers!” and my mind immediately raced to “Open bite! Lisp!” the mom in me was thinking, “This is just too adorable, and I need to remember this moment forever.”

That’s the advice I want to give you. Similar to overnight potty training, most thumb suckers will eventually, naturally stop sucking their thumb. Your little one won’t go to college with the same habit. 

When to Start Worrying

Typically, you do not need to worry about thumb-sucking until after a child’s permanent teeth come in. 

But, why is it a problem? Well, the constant presence of the thumb between the teeth and pressure on the teeth and roof of the mouth (palate) can lead to atypical growth and development in those areas. 

Persistent thumb sucking can also lead to an open bite (when the teeth do not touch in the front of the mouth, essentially forming an “O” where the thumb usually rests) or a very high palate.

These issues can then take their toll on feeding and speech. 

Sometimes children with a high palate struggle with eating certain foods because their oral cavity is just too large, and they begin to avoid foods that may get stuck up on the roof of their mouth, like peanut butter, or require extra manipulation, like raw carrots. 

Chronic thumb suckers can also have their speech impacted as a result of developing poor positioning and movement of their tongues. 

This can result in a lisp where the airflow for speech sounds such as /s/ and /z/ is pushed in the wrong direction resulting in a “slushy” sound. Other sounds that might be affected include /t,d,n,l/.

So, what can you do about it as a parent? Here are my top 5 tips.

1. Offer an alternative. If you notice your child is often sucking their thumb while listening to a book or watching a cartoon, give them something to hold with both hands such as a stuffed animal.

2. Target in isolation. In other words, don’t work on thumb sucking at the same time you might also be sleep or potty training. Many babies, toddlers, and young children use thumb sucking as a self-soothing technique, and they may rely heavily on it during those times. 

3. Avoid ridiculing or comparing your child to a younger child (e.g. “Only your little brother sucks his thumb.”). This can be a tough one, especially for other family members, but it is important. Scolding your child for thumb sucking can lead to guilt and may only increase the behavior or habit because of those negative feelings. Your goal is to decrease your child’s dependency on sucking for soothing, and the best way to do this is to make them feel more comfortable in other ways rather than increasing shame and other negative feelings. 

4. Offer rewards and incentives. Start small. For example, read a book together before bed and let your child know that if they keep their thumb out of their mouth, they will earn a sticker towards another larger prize or whatever else might motivate your child.

5. Use physical or visual cues. Try having your child wear a glove during the day, as long as it does not make them feel too self-conscious around other children. Or, consider placing a visual cue (a picture of a thumb with an X on it) perhaps at their preschool table. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends treatment if a child is sucking their thumb beyond the age of 5. If you have concerns, bring them up at your child’s next dentist and/or doctor’s appointment. 

 

Janine Segner is a credentialed speech therapist with a decade of experience in school, outpatient medical and private practice settings. She is licensed in Virgnia and Maryland and is the owner of Expressive Speech and Feeding, a pediatric speech therapy practice in Herndon, Virginia.

Would this have happened if I hadn’t gone on leave?” That is the pervasive question, Sunny, a product manager at a San Francisco tech company still can’t shake. She returned from leave to find she missed an opportunity for promotion; her manager submitted an incomplete performance review; and as she described, “I came back to a new manager, new role, new team, with all new people. No one I had worked with previously for four years…My manager so swiftly handed me off… Felt like I was washed up trash.” Ultimately, she believed maternity leave set her back.

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In an effort to better understand why being a working mom is so hard, a topic that has become a perpetual obsession of ours, we set out to research the return from maternity leave experience: What factors, during this vulnerable time, propel a woman into a state of struggle or set her up to thrive? We interviewed ten moms in tech and heard diverse experiences, ranging from “easy” to “horrific.” For those women at the most trying end of the spectrum, we found a powerful theme: While a woman is on maternity leave she is out of sight, out of mind. This creates the opportunity for bias, and can negatively impact the momentum of her career. Initially, the bias was due to poor manager decisions but then perpetuated by the absence of company processes and guardrails. An organization’s antidote is surprisingly simple and requires relatively little financial cost: Continue to advocate for her (because she still works here).

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that relative to other American women, the moms we talked with have it good, all with maternity leaves lasting at least 12 weeks. There is no federal paid maternity leave in the US; one in four moms go back to work just 2 weeks after giving birth. The tech industry has a unique opportunity to set an example and redefine gender equity. The same industry that has raised the bar of employee experience can surely do the same for women, if women truly are a priority.

Now, onto our findings…

It’s Hard to Advocate When You’re Feeling Insecure

Behind every maternity leave is a story, and often a challenge. In our interviews alone we heard from moms who spent their maternity leaves battling postpartum depression, PTSD from a traumatic birth, health complications requiring re-hospitalization, breastfeeding difficulties, and at the very least, exhaustion. Showing up to work that first day was momentous. It marked the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one. And even with their seniority and experience, they were anxious, emotional and self-conscious. Understanding this context is important to grasping the underlying backdrop to a woman’s experience when returning to work: Advocating for what we need may be harder when we feel insecure.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be this physically and emotionally hard. I had postpartum depression. The first 3 months were anxiety and exhaustion. I was an emaciated zombie.” —Liana, Scientist

“I questioned everything: What I was doing, what I was worth, what I should be focusing my efforts on, if I should be at this company, what value I bring them.” —Courtney, Business Development Executive

“I don’t want people to think ‘she can’t handle that job.’” —Alex, Finance Executive

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Women Miss Promotion Opportunities While on Maternity Leave

Can a woman get promoted while she is pregnant? The answer, according to federal law, is yes. Equal access to promotion seems to get blurry in practice, however, when it comes to opportunities while a woman is on maternity leave. We heard from women who believed they were not considered for opportunities while on leave that they otherwise would have been.

Lacking explicit conversations with their managers about organizational changes or promotion opportunities, they speculated that their absence took away friction that would have been present if they were there: No one needed to relay the news, explain why they hadn’t been considered, or hear them self-advocate. When a woman is not there to advocate for herself, what systems are in place to ensure she’s not left behind?

Sunny, a product manager, described her back to work experience as “horrific.” While she was out, a position was created with a similar job description to her role but with a higher title. The position was filled, without feedback on why she was not granted the opportunity. It is Sunny’s belief that if the role had opened while she was present, there would have been a conversation with her manager regarding the opportunity. In her absence, she could not advocate for herself, and unfortunately, Sunny believed that her manager failed to do so for her. She had lost an opportunity.

“If I hadn’t gone out on leave, they wouldn’t have been able to forget about me. I would have been able to advocate.” —Sunny, Product Manager

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Women on Leave Can Be Shortchanged of Feedback

Semi-annual review cycles are common in tech companies. When a woman is caring for her newborn during a review period, her manager no longer has the pressure of needing to prepare feedback to deliver face to face. Some of the women we spoke with said their manager seemed to put less effort and time into their review than if they had been there. Overlooking women during performance reviews can have penalizing financial implications, as ratings are often tied to compensation. Additionally, a superficial review is a missed opportunity for feedback, which is critical for growth.

Mimi, a designer, felt great about the work she had done prior to her maternity leave. Despite four months of daily vomiting during a high-risk pregnancy, she never missed a day of work, and “would have been proud of the work regardless of what was going on.” She worked the first half of the year, but the review process started right after she was out. When she returned from leave she opened her review, finding that her manager hadn’t written anything. She asked him why and was told, “I didn’t write anything because you weren’t here.” Mimi believes the lack of written feedback she received impacted her career. She missed the feedback, recognition and consideration she deserved.

“My manager not taking the time to summarize and describe the work I did meant he didn’t recognize it… That was such a hard time in my life. Being pregnant was so difficult…If you did the work, you deserve to be recognized, whether or not you’re in the office when the rating is delivered.” —Mimi, Designer

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Without Expectation Setting, Some Women Return to Less

Going on maternity leave often means managers or coworkers must pitch in to cover the work. But some women returned to find their roles had changed, their responsibilities shifted, or their previous work credited to someone else. From a legal perspective they had returned to the same title. But from the women’s point of view their previous work had been forfeited. There had been no expectations set for temporary coverage, making their responsibilities upon return ambiguous for both the woman and the person covering her work. Ultimately, their career was worse off for going on maternity leave.

Courtney, a business development executive, worked tirelessly during her pregnancy to seize what would be a lucrative and newsworthy deal. She left for maternity leave on what she described as a “mic drop moment,” with only the final terms left to define. Her manager covered for her while she cared for her newborn, and when she returned the deal hadn’t officially closed. She asked to take back her account and carry the baton through the finish line. Her manager nodded yes, but left her off email after email, eventually claiming her deal for himself. His career shined by work she initiated, and her career stalled as a result.

“[Being on leave] made it much easier for my boss…to capitalize on it…The playing field was wide open…[I felt] empty. Everything that I was working on that was good was taken.” —Courtney, Business Development Executive

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Our Recommendation: Continue to Advocate for Her (She Still Works Here)

We believe that the current return to work experience contributes to unequal gender outcomes. Women reach leadership levels at lower rates than men, and with the birth of their first child women will earn 20 percent less than men. In an attempt to attract, retain and develop women, companies must implement explicit family benefits (e.g. a solid maternity leave). But enacting a policy is not enough to avoid unintended consequences and bias. And unlike benefits, our recommendations are free, and only require more intentional process and a commitment to valuing the careers of women on leave.

Before She Goes on Leave:

  • Her manager should ask her to complete any relevant work needed in preparation for a performance review if it will occur while she is out (e.g. write a self-review, request peer feedback).

  • She and her manager should agree to a coverage plan during leave, and role expectations and responsibilities upon her return.

While She’s on Leave:

  • Specific policies should be in place and enforced if managers submit an incomplete review

  • Managers should consider themselves their direct’s advocate while she is on leave. They should consider her, and throw her hat in the ring for any position they otherwise would have if she were present.

  • Peers, managers and leaders alike can keep her top of mind for others with “small” gestures, like including the woman’s name and photo on team slides or referencing work she’s done when relevant.

When She Returns from Leave:

  • Managers should hold direct conversations about any organizational changes that were made in close proximity to her absence, providing explicit feedback and allowing for open dialogue and questions.

  • She and her manager should revisit the coverage plan created prior to leave and discuss how she can best ramp up on her responsibilities.

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Let’s Speak up: It’s the First Step Towards Change

The word bias has a heavy connotation. It implies neglect, or even intention. But in no way were the experiences our moms relayed ones of intentional disenfranchisement. Instead, they had been caught in fast-paced, well-intentioned, companies, with little time for others to notice, all while feeling immensely vulnerable.

Maternity leave, itself, is a modern iteration to a workplace made for men. If the construct of work were created today, with women accounting for 47% of the employee population, work culture might shift to support women returning from leave. And that is exactly what we hope to do by bringing more transparency to the return to work experience. When we are transparent about our experiences, and the effect of our current workplace policies and culture, change will follow.

This is the first article in a series of insights describing the return to work experience. Check out these articles that are next in the series:

How Invisible Work & Sacrifices Affect Working Moms.

Moms Are Drowning. Here’s How We Save Them.

This post originally appeared on Medium.com.
Anne Kenny & Natalie Tulsiani
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Anne Kenny and Natalie Tulsiani are user researchers and designers who co-founded Shift the Workplace, a research consultancy that helps companies identify opportunities to support caregivers. With 30 years of combined experience at Huge, Microsoft and Airbnb, we offer tangible, practical recommendations tailored to the company's culture.