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The current national formula shortage is distressing for all mothers who are worried about how they will feed their babies. As a mother’s club with the majority of the kids in our families under 5 years of age, we understand how greatly impacted our community is by this scarcity.

X˙CORE specializes in high-intensity pilates for muscle-sculpting, core strength and full-body conditioning. This workout integrates the key elements of resistance and counter-resistance in a sequence that allows you to get the most of each move.

Herbalist Sarah Buscho is the Founder and President of Bay Area organic skincare cosmetics company, Earth Tu Face.

Published On 3/8/2021

Nine whole months of growing something inside you and now you’re the proud parent of your alter-ego pandemic baby, Cindi, who enjoys sweatpants, never washing her hair, and purposely avoiding all responsibilities and deadlines because who the hell cares nothing matters anymore it’s all pointless.

Denise walks us through the legacy that she has been able to live thanks to her parents’ dedication to gathering family around the holidays. Join her as she gives us permission to be just busy enough during this time of year.

What if your holiday outfit could spark connection before you even say a word?

Learn about 12 moms who joined SMMC in 1996 when their babies were between 2 and 5 months old. Their story of 3 decades of friendship and 26 children combined is heartwarming and inspiring.

Dad’s Corner: The Family List

Life with kids moves fast—it’s easy to accidentally skip the fun parts. This month, Dad’s Corner introduces the “Family List,” a shared calendar that remembers seasonal traditions so you don’t have to. It’s the antidote to “Wait…that was THIS weekend?!”

We are delighted to introduce our new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) landing page on the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club website.

Parents and children benefit from Flow, a state of consciousness of absolute absorption in an activity that leads to creativity, growth, a sense of purpose and positive mental health.

Every year, SMMC proudly supports local organizations that strengthen families, uplift children, and foster community connection. This year, our grants helped fund essential programs serving parents, children, and youth throughout Marin County.

The Holidays IRL (In Real Life)

Most of us know that our computers and phones are programmed with “persuasive design,” a euphemism that belies the serious downstream effects of our brains being hijacked by tech. The screen your child is staring at right now? Literally designed to capture your kid’s developing brain and our supposedly more mature one - and our attention is then monetized. Maintaining the stance of “I-use-tech-as-a-tool” rather than “the-tool-is-using-me” is a conundrum of our age

From Moments to Milestones

From moments to milestones, our photos tell the story of who we are — in every season. ✨
Not just the big celebrations, but the quiet, everyday scenes we might forget… until we see them again in a photograph.

Keep Dreaming

Denise takes us on a year-long journey of remembering how to trust her gut, while making hard but necessary decisions for her family and her career. She reminds us that our future self is worthy of taking inspired actions, even if we should feel like what we have is already enough.

A bowl of French onion soup, a kid learning to read, a Saturday morning on the soccer sidelines—some things can’t be rushed. In this piece, Kate Cayanni reflects on the quiet, everyday actions that slowly take root, and the small harvests that remind us it’s worth doing things the long way.

Discover 5 easy personal style tips for busy moms to refresh your look without a full wardrobe overhaul.

Designing with the future in mind means creating homes that adapt as life changes. By focusing on flexibility, personal routines, and evolving needs, a home can support everything from daily habits to major milestones. It’s about making space for growth, change, and the unexpected to build a home that truly grows with you.

“We Remember”

Along with their families, SMMC continues to celebrate these lives and grieve their loss.

SMMC is proud to partner with the Marin County Cooperation Team. Together, we are helping families, uplifting youth, and building a stronger, more connected community.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of parenting young children. The small joys at breakfast and bedtime, when you’re truly present, become some of the most gratifying moments in your life. Alongside these joys come worries, some familiar from our own childhoods and others brand new.

At the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goes beyond intention—it’s about action. It is our aim to uplift voices within our community and foster meaningful connections among our members. One of the most impactful ways we are doing this is by supporting and amplifying our Affinity Groups.

Capture all your Marin (and beyond) summer moments with these simple tips and tricks that everyone can master

Growing Up with a Growth Mindset

As a mom and a 3rd grade teacher, I want to do my best to instill a growth mindset in the children in my care. Carol Dwek’s advice: praise children for effort rather than abilities. Instead of saying, “You figured that out; you’re so smart,” say something like “You worked hard to understand that.”

Discover how new moms can use clothing to foster deeper connection—with their families, partners, and themselves. Learn how coordinated outfits, sentimental pieces, and intentional dressing can create lasting memories and meaningful nonverbal communication.

Mama Camp

Denise walks us through her plans this summer to facilitate a deeper connection with her daughters through good old-fashioned mama camp. But don’t worry…she’s got a variety of half-day and full-day camps in the mix too. This will be her fourth time attempting to navigate the Summertime Shuffle.

Barefoot bike rides, pool days, and the sacred art of making an Orange Julius—Kate Cayanni takes us back to the summers of our youth and makes a case for slowing down, blending up, and soaking it all in (even if you’re still juggling camps and car snacks).

A heartfelt, humorous, and empowering letter from a seasoned mom with ADHD to newly diagnosed mothers, guiding them through the emotional journey of late diagnosis and the soulwork of embracing their neurodivergent minds while navigating motherhood.

Community Includes Neurodiversity

Many parents/families who experience neurodiversity may be isolated from their communities. Summer is a great time to reach out and build connections with families who need more support.

Summer is around the corner, and with it comes longer days, looser routines, and the joyful chaos of kids home from school. It’s the perfect season to lean into connection — with our families, our friends, and our spaces. Design can set the tone for how we gather and deepen our relationships, even in the comfort of our own backyards.

DEI Spotlight

Why now in 2025, when it is no longer in vogue to have a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) presence, is the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club choosing to not only keep our commitment to DEI but double down on it with intentionality? It’s simple, we aren’t willing to eliminate inclusion and belonging.

The Summer List! It's Back!

Take a few minutes to jot down your family’s hopes, dreams, ambitions and aspirations for summer 2025.

The Invisible Things We Love

Not all love is bold and dramatic; some love hides in plain sight, in the small, everyday moments that quietly weave meaning into our days, like the binding thread in a garment—essential, yet often overlooked.

Cheese Week!

Distance can be an obstacle, or bring us even closer to the ones we love most. Siblings living half a world apart put in the work to stay close, and a cherished tradition is born.

Becoming a mom is life-changing in every way—including your wardrobe. Suddenly, your closet is filled with practical, comfortable pieces designed for feeding, chasing, and cuddling, rather than date nights and cocktails.

Nestled in the heart of Marin, the Lycée Français de San Francisco (Lycée) offers an exceptional educational experience, blending the best of French academic rigor with a nurturing, multicultural environment. From our engaging preschool program to our international, IB-powered track in Middle and High school*, the Lycée provides a unique pathway for students to thrive in an interconnected world.

A Call for Love

Denise Bailey reflects on how we can bridge divides and foster understanding by focusing on our shared humanity.

Your primary bedroom is more than a place to sleep, it’s your personal sanctuary and the most romantic space in your home. This Valentine’s season, refresh your bedroom to create a cozy, luxurious retreat for yourself or your partner. Follow our expert tips to transform your room into the haven you deserve.

DIY Love Edition

Get creative with your kids this Valentine’s Day with fun and simple DIY crafts that celebrate love and togetherness. From colorful paperchains and heart-shaped stamps to yarn-wrapped hearts and suncatchers, these activities are perfect for sparking joy and making heartfelt memories.

Balancing It All in 2025

Navigating the demands of motherhood, work, and self-care can be overwhelming, but intentional goal-setting helps create clarity and balance. These thoughtful journal prompts will guide you in reflecting on the past year, setting goals, envisioning success, and planning for obstacles, ensuring a meaningful and balanced 2025.

Fasting has been practiced for centuries as a powerful tool for healing and rejuvenation, and modern science now supports its profound benefits. From improving metabolic health and balancing hormones to boosting overall vitality, fasting offers a holistic approach to wellness. Whether you’re seeking to detox, lose weight, reverse chronic conditions, or enhance fertility, fasting can play a transformative role in your health journey. Here’s how it works and why it may be worth incorporating into your lifestyle.

Delight in Curiosity

Take inspiration to choose one word for 2025 that reflects what you want to focus on most. Hint: it isn’t something you can buy. Life is an ongoing journey of challenges and growth, where true fulfillment comes from within—by embracing grit, gratitude, presence, and curiosity. Let this word be your guide through the detours and imperfections, helping you savor the simple moments, practice self-compassion, and pursue meaningful growth in the year ahead.

The Misleading Magic of a Clean Slate

Nothing dirties a ‘clean slate’ faster than reality showing up with muddy boots.

As families plan home makeovers for the New Year, setting clear goals, prioritizing projects, and establishing a realistic budget are essential for a smooth renovation process. By carefully organizing tasks, accounting for dependencies, and leaving room for unexpected expenses, families can ensure their improvements align with their needs and stay within budget.

It’s OK to Fail, Even Epically.

Middle School science teacher Mo Poxon explains, “At Marin Horizon, we give kids a safe space to fail spectacularly and learn from that. It’s one of the things I love about the teaching philosophy here.”

The Magic of Traditions

Denise Bailey explains why her Christmas tree has always been more than a place to put presents under. Join her as she walks us through deciding what really matters this holiday season.

Considering the benefits of a mindful movement like Pilates for moms and moms-to-be for this holiday season and beyond.

In the first three years of life, responsive caregiving builds the foundation for a child’s future resilience and emotional well-being. Nurturing relationships help shape how children manage stress, regulate emotions, and form secure attachments—skills that support lifelong mental health.

Homemade Gifts

Homemade gift ideas that can get everyone in the holiday spirit!

Looking to make a difference with your family this December? Explore these impactful ways to bring joy to Marin families in need.

The real holiday magic isn’t in picture-perfect decor or flawless traditions, but in the joyful chaos of just being together.

Explore creative ways to redesign and repurpose spaces in your home to create new holiday traditions to enjoy with your family!

Neutrals are a chic, low-stress solution for holiday dressing, offering versatile, timeless style perfect for busy moms juggling festive events. Add depth with texture, a touch of metallic glam, or standout accessories to create effortless, polished looks for any occasion.

Holiday traditions offer more than nostalgia—they nurture emotional connection and physical well-being. Drawing on cherished memories of holidays at Mahmu’s house, explore how rituals rooted in love, nourishment, and community align with functional medicine principles, reducing stress and promoting lifelong health.

Thanksgiving is a time for connection, gratitude, and cherished traditions, from early-morning turkey smoking to family Turkey Trot runs and heartfelt moments around the table. By embracing simplicity, delegating tasks, and finding joy in the imperfections, you can create a stress-free and memorable holiday filled with food, laughter, and love.

The Simple Act of Noticing

Denise Bailey reminds us that being grateful takes intention and that gratitude is something that cannot be taught without being felt. So grab a cup of tea and cozy up to read this quick article on how to work on rewiring your brain to notice all the blessings (big and small) in your life.

This holiday season, declutter your home while giving back by donating gently used clothing to local organizations that support foster children, families in need, and job training programs. From Marin Foster Care to the Salvation Army, these groups make it simple to contribute and make a difference in your community.

Giving to our Community

Volunteering in the community is more than just giving outside our homes, it instills our family values inside our home for our children.

The Power of an Early Start

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of parenting young children. The small joys at breakfast and bedtime, when you’re truly present, become some of the most gratifying moments in your life. Alongside these joys come worries, some familiar from our own childhoods and others brand new.

Family Friendly Volunteer Opportunities

Learn about family-friendly volunteer opportunities in Marin that you can enjoy with young children.

Traveling with Toddlers

SMMC mom and travel agent, Susanna Ask, shares her expert tips for traveling with kids, offering a mix of practical advice, candid insights, and a few light-hearted confessions to make your holiday travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Explore strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining your well-being as a mom, as well as the health benefits of practicing gratitude this holiday season.

Design tips for decorating your Thanksgiving table and incorporating personal touches to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Store Bought Costumes

Denise examines some traditions old and new that have inspired her to take on the Halloween spirit (even though she finds the holiday a bit scary). So go ahead and give yourself permission to tackle this holiday as best as you can.

Halloween is the time of year when creativity and imagination run wild. We dress up as witches, ghosts, and goblins, delighting in a little scare here and there. But what if the scariest story of all is the one that’s brewing inside of our bodies?

Imagining a New Motherhood

Imagining a motherhood journey that is supported through all stages.

In this article, we’ll walk you through practical design tips, organization strategies, and creative ideas to turn a small corner or a larger space into a magical costume area your children will love.

Trick or treat your brain everyday

Find practical tips for ADHD moms to boost brain health and stay organized by transforming the refrigerator into a source of motivation. By stocking it with norepinephrine-friendly foods and organizing it in an ADHD-friendly way, healthy eating can be fun, energizing, and manageable with the right approach. With step-by-step guidance, moms can "landscape" their fridge to support mental clarity and focus year-round.

Choosing a school for your child may be one of the most important decisions you will make for their future. The following guide is designed to help you make this decision.

As the season changes and the world slows down, it’s time to "fall back" into yourself—recharge, reflect, and find new inspiration. Take this time to reflect on your journey, set new intentions, and prepare for the future with clarity and vision. Nature’s natural cycle of shedding old layers mirrors an opportunity to reflect on our own lives. It’s a time to refresh, recharge, and think creatively about what’s next. Fall is the perfect season to retreat inward, review the past year, and set the groundwork for the future. In this article, we’ll dive into the power of fall reflection, creative ways to rejuvenate, and how to set inspiring goals that align with this season’s energy.

Learn the stylist-approved outfit formula to look put together and stylish in a hurry.

Fall has officially arrived, and with Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season by visiting a pumpkin patch. Whether you're looking for that ideal carving pumpkin, fun family activities, or just a charming fall atmosphere, Marin and Sonoma County offer several great options. Checkout these five popular pumpkin patches with your family and make some memories this season.

Not Your Average Jack O’Lantern

You’ve got your pumpkins. Now what to do with them? Who said carving your pumpkin is the only option? Explore some fun alternative activities to do with your pumpkins this season!

A Reminder to Play

With back to school in full swing, as parents, we all need a little reminder that at times, less is more and sometimes all our kids need is to play.

Misplaced Guilt

Denise Bailey guides us in a deep reflection of how misguided guilt affects our souls. Take a moment to reflect on what feels right and what no longer serves you.

Explore how functional wellness can help working mothers manage stress, chronic illness and hormonal imbalances and prevent burnout by incorporating practical strategies like mindful stress management, nutrient-dense eating, and adequate sleep.

These recent titles grapple with the hardships and realities of mothering—ambivalence over whether or not to have a child, the despair of postpartum depression, identity loss, worries about "measuring up”, and the intensity of these feelings of love and connection.

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling 25 balls in the air and managing to drop every single one? Welcome to the club! But don't worry, we’ve got a secret weapon straight from the oracle of Omaha himself, Warren Buffett. Introducing the 25/5 rule: the magic formula to help you focus, prioritize, and stop resembling a frazzled circus performer so you can reach those key goals!

Learn how focusing on the right design for your home office can help you effortlessly transition from work life to home life.

In this discussion, three members of the SMMC Working Moms and Stay-at-Home Moms groups open up about their journeys, the choices they made, and offer valuable advice for others facing the same tough decisions.

For hundreds of Marin families living with the anxiety of food allergies, Latitude Food Allergy Care in San Rafael has been life-changing.

Life School

Denise Bailey gives us permission to embrace the journey of motherhood through all of its many phases as she explains how mom school has become life school.

Think your kid's the only one who grapples with new school jitters? From bathroom battles to new schedules, dive into the sometimes-heartrending reality of back-to-school chaos.

Learn how to set up efficient entryway spots, homework areas, and organized kitchens and closets to make the transition stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family. This article is packed with helpful tips, and implementing even one will make a huge difference in your upcoming school year!

As the kids head back to school, it's the perfect time to focus on your well-being and make positive changes for you and your family. From hydration and nutrient-dense foods to personalized wellness plans, now is the time to prioritize your health.

Milky Oat emphasizes the importance of fresh, locally sourced food for postpartum mothers, highlighting that fresh ingredients retain more vitamins and minerals compared to frozen options. Their meals, curated by postpartum doulas and private chefs, feature nutrient-rich foods like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and leafy greens to support healing, breastfeeding, and overall well-being, while their commitment to sustainability ensures minimal environmental impact through the use of reusable glass jars and eco-friendly practices.

The Transition Back to School

Starting school can be a huge transition for both parent and child. Practicing routines and incorporating stories can help prepare for the first day of school.

Discover how the joys of summer can support your hormonal balance and fertility journey with functional medicine tips. Embrace the sunshine, nourish your body with seasonal foods, stay hydrated, engage in outdoor activities, prioritize sleep, and connect with nature for optimal health and wellness this season.

Last year, Barbie sparked conversations about gender roles and self-image, while this year, Inside Out 2 provided an opportunity to discuss mental health and well-being. The film introduces new emotions like Anxiety and Embarrassment as Riley hits puberty, offering a lexicon for children to articulate their inner experiences and teaching a crucial lesson in emotional resilience. This is sure to be a must-see movie this summer!

Summertime Shuffle

Denise invites us to take a look at how our children’s summers differ from our own childhood. She invites us to examine if we have consciously chosen the summertime shuffle (or if we are just merely keeping up).

Summer of Joy

One small step at a time to a happier, more fulfilled, and more relaxed version of yourself.

Summer Slide

The summer slide refers to the academic regression students can experience when they're not practicing their skills over the summer, with research indicating a 20-30% loss in academic gains. To combat this, focus on maintaining existing skills through fun activities like educational games, reading together, and keeping a summer journal, ensuring summer remains a time for exploration and connection without the stress of formal learning.

Dive into summer fun by creating enjoyable outdoor spaces for the whole family. With these design suggestions, you'll be on track to achieving a backyard paradise, and your outdoor space will be set for countless enjoyable summer days to come!

Are the demands of motherhood sidelining your health goals? Rediscover your path to wellness with personalized coaching that addresses hormone changes, stress management, and sustainable lifestyle habits, helping you regain control and feel your best.

This summer and beyond, let’s rely less on technology and get our families outside to move, play, connect, and create.

The Summer List Revisited

Marin's summer weather is unpredictable with fluctuating temperatures, yet regardless of the conditions, kids expect a variety of well-coordinated activities, prompting families to create a "Summer List" to ensure a fun and fulfilling break, with suggestions ranging from local hikes and baseball games to beach trips and outdoor Shakespeare performances. Take a few minutes to jot down what you and your family want to get out of summer 2024.

Raising Savvy Kids in an AI World

With AI-generated content rocketing around the web, one dad ruminates on how he can teach his kids to approach the internet with a healthy skepticism, so they don’t get snookered online.

Societal changes are allowing young boys to explore a wide range of interests, which can lead to more well-rounded men and fathers, and the importance of fathers in family dynamics, highlighting their role in supporting maternal health and the overall well-being of the family.

The Community Living Fund (CLF) offers up to $5,000 per qualified individual to support transitions from care facilities to community living, fostering independence for those with disabilities. Funded by the Department of Rehabilitation and administered by Marin CIL, the program assists individuals at risk of institutionalization or transitioning from such settings, focusing on those with low incomes who can't afford associated costs. Since its launch, CLF has served 70 community members and is available through 2025 for families in Marin, Solano, Sonoma, and Napa counties

The JCC is among the nation's most established and respected preschools, with over 75 years of educational experience. Our campuses offer toddler, preschool, and family programs.

Daddy, Let’s Play!

The way dads play with their children greatly affects a child’s development.

Memory Battles and Father’s Love

Despite his remarkable intellect and achievements, my father's Alzheimer's diagnosis last September was a harsh reality we struggled to accept, and as Father's Day nears, I reflect on his profound influence on my love for science and our shared memories, cherishing the intellect and love that continue to shine through despite the challenges of his condition.

Tech-savvy dads are at the forefront of incorporating technology into modern residential interior design, incorporating cutting-edge gadgets and innovations into their homes.

Fun Father’s Day Ideas

Father's Day offers a plethora of fun activities to celebrate dads and create lasting memories. Check out five of our favorites!

The World Needs Gifted Girls

Giftedness is not a gift to receive but a gift to develop and give for the benefit of others.

A Message for Mothers

Lannette Guerra shares the secrets she believes will help raise healthy, happy little kids who will become the next generation of peacemakers.

From soothing color palettes to luxurious textures, this article explores design ideas to bring the tranquility of a spa into the homes of busy moms.

The Mom Mindset

Okay, let’s be honest. Being a mom is the hardest job in the world.

The Benefits of Nature-Based Education

Time in nature is never wasted. Learn more from Liesha Eberst about the importance of play and building connection outdoors.

If you know ten women, you know someone struggling with secondary infertility: difficulty conceiving or carrying another child. Or maybe that woman is you. There is hope – proven, science-backed measures that can improve fertility. Learn more from Dr. Susan Fox, DACM, LAc, FABORM

A Love Letter to Mothers

A poetic love letter to celebrate mothers everywhere.

Calling Mom from California

How connection can feel elusive when you make a life away from home.

Midlife Review

Join Denise Bailey as she figures out if she is in the early stage of her midlife review, or Uranus Opposition for those of you into astrology.

May is Maternal Mental Health Month

Together, we can break the stigma and change the narrative around maternal mental health.

Staying Organized Amidst the Chaos

Staying organized amidst the chaos of kids is a challenge but here are some tips from a mom of four.

A Letter to Zoey

A letter to my seven year old…or my seven year old self?

Take Heart!

4,000 weeks is a huge expanse of time. It’ll also be over before you know it. Justin McCarthy shares with us his thoughts on making the most of the time that we have with our loved ones.

Lina Fancy shares her experience working with the FITT program through the Marin Foster Care Association.

SMMC Members Raise Nearly $10k for MFCA’s Therapy Program

Learn tips on how a little spring “organizing” can transform your home and your heart.

Healing Again

Denise Bailey explains how the sun coming back out shines bright on some past and current insecurities that she’s ready to heal, again.

Considerations for new moms on how to get started with movement postpartum.

Learn more about Dr. Angelique Millette’s proven sleep methods for helping toddlers feel safe and secure at sleep time.

Join us for a summer of camp fun with a therapeutic twist, or therapy with a camp twist!

Tips from a local nonprofit partner about supporting children living with disabilities.

When School’s Too Easy

Learn how to strengthen a child’s intellect beyond the glass ceiling.

Searching for Our Village

Considering how the proverb “it takes a village” plays out in our modern lives.

Here’s a primer to help you understand wildfire risks and what to do to keep your family safe.

SMMCpreneur: Amelia Plumb Photography

Interview with Amelia Plumb - Owner of Amelia Plumb Photography

Adventures in Culinary Cuisine

Putting together a culinary fundraising party cooked up some community magic.

Trust Your Gut

Denise Bailey with The Nurtured Mommy walks us through her journey of choosing a preschool for her daughters and explains why it is so important to just trust your gut.

Learn the importance of checking indoor carbon dioxide levels.

The Redwoods: A Community of Seniors

Learn about their lovely community and how to be involved.

For the Love of Science

Instill a love of science to set kids up for success.

All You Need is Self-Love

Reflections on finding the self-love that we all need to be our happiest, most fulfilled, and truest selves.

You’re A Good Mama

Denise Bailey takes us on an emotional journey of acceptance and empathy with the other mothers in our lives by remembering to love ourselves too.

Keeping the Flame Alive

Share your dreams and fears this Valentines Day

Glad That’s Over

It was a long December, and I’ve reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.

A Habit of Spontaneity

Published On 1/4/2024

Young children initiate their own learning regimen; we get to stand by and watch!

Move More in 2024

Consider these ideas and strategies to improve fitness and make regular exercise a habit in the new year.

The Power of Yet

Denise Bailey inspires us to review 2023 while setting our intentions for 2024. Grab a cup of tea, your journal/pen and get ready to dive a little deeper into what you haven’t done yet.

Setting boundaries

A safety net, helping families have the best start to parenthood.

A family shares their favorite holiday traditions and hopes you’ll be inspired to make one uniquely yours.

New Traditions

Read how family traditions take on a new meaning as a new mom celebrates her first Christmas with her daughter.

Mindful Movement for Stress Relief

Consider how mindful movement can relieve stress and tension this holiday season and beyond.

This Year, Less Stuff

After a year of great loss, this family takes a new approach to gifting: experiences.

Shop for a cause this holiday season.

SMMC Entrepreneurs Holiday Gift Guide

Support fellow SMMC moms and shop the incredible products they have created!

Signs, symptoms, and risk factors - and what to do if you are concerned about your child or teen.

A Value of Service

Published On 11/2/2023

Denise shares about the values that matter most to her family and how she is passing them onto her daughters during this busy holiday season.

The Power of Giving

Published On 11/2/2023

Everyday acts of giving back play a crucial role in our journey to happiness.

Things No One Told Me

Published On 11/2/2023

A first time mom shares what she wished she’d known before the birth of her new baby.

Published On 11/2/2023

Join or create a Firewise Community in your neighborhood to help Marin residents prepare for and prevent wildfires.

Gratitude for Our Bodies

Published On 11/2/2023

Inspiring gratitude and self-love for our bodies and all that they do for us.

Published On 11/2/2023

Yes, and you probably want one for your next adventure. Read more to learn why…

Published On 11/2/2023

Please join us in supporting our neighbors in need this 2023 Thanksgiving season.

Sports Dentistry

Published On 11/2/2023

Learn how to prevent mouth injuries during sports from a practicing pediatric dentist.

The Power of an Early Start

Learn how a Montessori education helps children develop.

So Do You

Grab your journal and see what comes up as you take a deep dive into what it means to use your imagination as an adult.

October is for ADHD!

This month, look around you for all the neurodivergent people in your life.

A call to cultivate creativity in both kids and grownups.

One mother’s story of hope and an invitation to support families in need

My Inner Anauraliac

Find out one way to deal with the voices in your head.

This guide will help you choose your child's preschool wisely

Here are two opportunities to take action

Learn how these families have built community together.

Pilates You Can Do at Your Desk

Take a break from sitting with these modified Pilates exercises that you can practice at your desk.

A Child’s Second Home

Consider alternatives for your child’s education.

In Defense of the Ordinary Barbie

The lessons of self-reflection and belonging from the hit movie of the summer, Barbie

Sharing Financial Wisdom With Your Kids

No one else can educate kids about money at each stage of their development.

Travel School: London & Paris

How to help kids learn while you travel

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival

The best kept secret for a kids’ day out in Marin

Strategies to make a successful first day of school

Show Her Real Friendships

Dive back into the social emotional challenges by helping your daughter navigate the playground.

The Crucible

One family hunkers down for a (maybe a bit too-) epic remodel.

Creating Time for Movement

Practical tips for busy moms to fit movement into their lives.

The Last Month Rollercoaster

What to do while waiting for baby to come

Take a Fresh Look at Your Finances

July is a good time for a mid-year money review!

Little Daredevils

How to encourage risky independence safely

Adapting to Wildfire

Protect your family & home from wildfires this summer.

From Alcatraz with Love

From baby kicks to swimming across the Bay!

When I Grow Up

Denise answers the question of what she wants to be when she grows up as a 42-year-old mama of three.

Keep Your Cool

5 ways to help you keep your cool this summer!

Is there a mouse in the house?

How to deal with mice safely & humanely

Becoming US in Marin

Read why these parents-to-be are dreaming big for their girl.

My Second Father’s Day

Golfing with Dad? Not this year!

Real Dads Do Pilates

A few ways the dads in your life can benefit from Pilates.

One year, one unbreakable mama bond

Fashion Matters, Especially for Mommies

Take care of yourself with style!

Karen McMillin of FIT4MOM Marin

Reach your fitness goals while spending time with your little ones.

Reaching Out–The Power of Collaboration

A network of yoga moms around the world create a book to make a difference!

When Impermanence Comes Knocking

When life gets hard, don’t forget to breathe!

Think outside the box: alternatives to traditional presents for your significant other.

Dining Out With Children

How to plan and prepare for restaurant success so you can actually enjoy eating out.

The Anti-Hero

A difficult Father’s Day reflection finds gratitude in little things.

Big Moves

Look through the eyes of a first-time mom who just moved to Marin

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!

Jackson planned a special day with Mama to celebrate!

Mother’s Day for Gilead House

Pay it forward. Encourage moms in adversity this month.

Design Your Day

Denise Bailey takes a quick moment to reflect on how to create a magical Mother’s Day for herself and her mom.

Feeding Hummingbirds

April showers, bring May flowers - and hummingbirds! Learn how you can attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Moms in the Frame

Picture Perfect Parenthood–why snapping shots with your children matters more than you may think.

Learning to Pa(w)rent From A Rookie

Unexpected parenting wisdom from a fur-mama and her fur-baby

Strong as a Mother

How to reconnect to our bodies after the transformation of becoming a mother

The Wisdom of Early Intervention

Do you think your child may be struggling from development delays? Early Intervention is key.

Marin Montessori offers resources to help parents navigate difficult times.

Close the gender gap for your golden years: eight strategies to help save for your future.

Simplify the packing and planning for your next trip with these practical steps.

Play: The Underestimated Powerhouse

Learn about all the ways kids learn.

Getting Rid of Gophers

Here’s how to diagnose and treat a gopher problem.

Enjoy some sage advice on improving your marriage.

Meet the 2023-2024 SMMC Board

Meet your SMMC Board of Directors for 2023-2024

Warm Up the Brain

Early exposure to learning sets kids up for excellence in any field!

Hot Yoga . . . for Kids?

When it’s cold and dreary outside, it might just be time for a little hot yoga with the kids.

The Dividend

Making deliberate improvements to your habits will result in a healthier, happier, less-stressed life.

How to start cooking with your kids

Warming up to Daycare

Baby Jackson processes time away from Mom and Dad in his new school.

Through practice children can gain social emotional skills for life.

Daily Habits for Healthy Teeth

Take some advice from a dentist to keep your child’s teeth healthy.

C’est la vie, Parenting in Marin!

How to help kids gain perspective in the Marin bubble.

Preparing for a Sibling

Maintaining a harmonious home by preparing your child for the arrival of a new sibling.

Parenting as a Foster to Adopt Family

Marin Foster Care is looking for families to foster adopt.

Put Down that Sharpie!

Be careful about using & perpetuating parenting stereotypes–they often do more harm than good.

Trial by Fire: Parenting Through Crisis

Since the Harrises’ home recently caught fire, they have been coping with the crisis and learning important lessons about community and gratefulness along the way.

Healing Joy Bonds

Helping our children deal with their own mental health issues is heart-wrenching, nearly impossible and utterly essential.

Hard Decisions of Parenthood

Focus on forgiveness and rest easy knowing that you are doing your best!

Finding New Friendships

Denise Bailey shares five tips on how to keep putting yourself out there to find new friends within the many phases of motherhood.

How to Select Plants for Your Garden

Here are a few important considerations before planting this spring

Why Printing your Photographs Matters

Preserving your family’s memories one photo at a time

Teaching Kids About Love

Julie Austin recommends ways we can model affection and teach love and generosity to our children just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Is that Hole from a Vole?

Manage voles in your yard and garden without pesticides.

Love: Stuffies and Other Friends

Baby Jackson reveals his true love.

Connected with Love

Foster loving-kindness in your children with this empathetic meditation.

7 Tips for Skiing Success with Children

Preparation and patience form the foundation for success on the slopes!

Love Yourself

Denise Bailey vulnerably shares her struggle with learning how to show up as a perfectly imperfect mother of three.

Nourishing Nectars with Djamilla Samad

Djamilla Samad brings her whole into her chocolate truffle business, Nourishing Nectars.

The Anti-Heuristic

Raise capable children who can navigate increasingly complex and hostile environments with critical thinking skills.

Big Love from Gilead House

Gilead House offers gratitude for SMMC’s February and March meal drive.

Dawn of the Big Girl Bed

Changing from a crib to a Big Girl Bed can lead to some big time emotions, as one dad recently discovered.

Feelings First

Denise Bailey helps us to start the new year off right with intention and purpose. So, grab a cup of tea and get ready to manifest what matters most to you in 2023.

IVF | Intense & Vulnerable Feelings

Kate describes the arduous anticipation that accompanies fertility treatments.

Life Changes: Food and Noises

Baby Jackson revels in new flavors & sounds while his parents make some changes of their own.

New to Orangetheory? These Tips Will Help Calm Your Nerves

The Spirituality of Raising Kids

Yoga Conferences are awakening to the deep spiritual work of raising kids.

Learn to Quit

Listen for the changes we need to make in our kids’ activities.

Wisdom & Wiggles

Wisdom & Wiggles is a memorable event that both children and adults love! Look out for the upcoming W&W events.

Gardening: What Fertilizer to Use?

Fertilizing is often referred to as “feeding” plants, but that’s not accurate. Plants feed themselves, producing their own food, sugars, and carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis.

What is the meaning of life?

Baby Jackson ponders big questions with his sweet, simple perspective.

All Rise for the Mug of Glory!

Learn how to nurture glorious & absurd traditions with your family.

A Meaningful Jewish Christmas

Read about ways that a Jewish family that doesn’t celebrate Christmas makes the holiday special and meaningful. Merry Everything!

Learn about Sensitive Santa and the organization that started it.

Joinable Brings People Together

Learn a new way to connect communities.

Interviewing Santas

Enjoy this unique account of SMMC’s director of events finding the perfect Santa for the Holiday Fair.

The Architecture of Healing

Lannette reflects on 2022 with a new healthier perspective.

The Journey of Fulfillment

Denise writes about her commitment to the journey of fulfillment through a candid and helpful conversation that inspires and motivates.

Published On 12/2/2022

Build a tradition of stress-free holiday travel.

RSV vs. Flu vs. COVID-19. Which is it?

Helpful medical advice to prepare us for flu season.

Preserve Your Sanity

Prepare for the busy holiday rush by remembering what’s most important.

SMMC 40+ Parents

Learn about how parents over 40 get together, help each other and stay connected.

Parenting With Your Parents

Co-parenting with grandparents can be tricky; here are some helpful hints.

Finding Gratitude

Exercise a positive attitude before Thanksgiving!

In Sickness and in Health

Be patient with yourself as you reestablish routines after a setback.

The Magic of Thank-You Notes

Want to know how to revive the lost art of thank-you notes? Read now and thank us later.

Homeward Bound of Marin

Opening doors to safety, dignity, hope, and independence.

Learn Through Making

Published On 11/2/2022

Learn why kids learn best with their hands and how to build on that.

Thanksgiving Books

Prepare your family for Thanksgiving with these fantastic book picks.

ADD Magic

Halloween, I’d like to address the ADHD community and inform you why you might, at times, think you have supernatural or psychic abilities.

If I Were Not a Baby

Sparked by a familiar song, baby Jackson makes believe what he could be, just in time for his first Halloween!

Play Marin: Play is the Way

Learn how Play Marin empowers youth and spurs social change in Marin City.

Look Under the Hood

Running a family is a messy business. There will be bumps, scrapes, scraps and bruises (both physical and emotional), but that doesn’t mean every conflict is necessary, and it doesn’t mean every fight that happens more than once has to keep happening.

Finding a School that Meets the Moment

Not much matches the excitement of parenting young children. The small joys appear at breakfast and bedtime in ways that, if you’re paying attention, endure as some of the best, most gratifying moments in your life.

Reconnecting to Your Light

Learn yoga exercises to clear the fog and chaos in your mind and live in mental sunshine and peace.

January - March 2022 Playgroup

What is special about your playgroup?

Grow Your Imagination

We Grow our Imaginations when we learn from our children how to dream bigger.

Mom Hacks: Halloween Dress up

Growing up my mom made the best Halloween costumes for my sister and I, so I knew when I had kids one day, I would try to do the same.

We Love Lizards!

Learn to love lizards just as much as your kids do!

Stretching Summer's Vibes Into Fall

Learn creative ways to keep those good summer feelings going all year long.

They Still Need You

Spend time in your child’s classroom; your involvement affects your child’s engagement.

Never Too Early to Start Learning

Baby Jackson explores his passions at a very early age.

Do You Remember September?

Learn how trauma can show up and adopt some tools for working through it.

Expert tips to help you choose your outfits for Family Portraits!

Middle School Awaits

Cody Harris takes us on a nostalgic journey back to middle school in anticipation of his own son reaching the milestone.

Stick to the Script

Published On 8/31/2022

Buckle up and join this hilarious, and oh-so accurate, ode to in-flight announcements (à la the family car ride).

Published On 8/31/2022

Learn how Tyler Barbee is helping kids with special needs experience sports and how you can help too!

Published On 8/31/2022

Expert financial advisor suggests five sources for funding adult education.

Book Picks: Back to School

Get your little ones prepared for the new school year with these great book picks!

All Wrapped Up

Lisa Walsmith, longtime owner of the multi-faceted All Wrapped Up gift shop, P.O. Box, shipping facility, notary, satellite office for the Mill Valley Chamber and much more, was a cornerstone of the downtown Mill Valley retail scene.

Music Babies

Published On 8/10/2022

Consider the lifelong benefits of learning music young.

These flies are good guys!

Here’s how to protect beneficial bugs so they can protect your garden.

Food and Mood

Children eat more than just calories.

Illusion of Control

Denise Bailey with The Nurtured Mommy shares a story about a super-spreader and her illusion of control.

The August Rush

Stop bad habits at the front door. Create an uncluttered space and mind with some helpful advice for unloading errands and activities into your home.

The Benefit of Distance

Your kids are changing right in front of you, every day. It’s worth taking the time to notice.

Food Allergy Testing

Learn how to identify and treat food allergies in children from Debbie Taback, co-founder of Latitude Food Allergy Care.

Courtney Horn lays out five important documents to help us plan for the unexpected.

A Trip to the Zoo

Baby Jackson reflects back on his trip to the zoo with his parents.

Book Picks: Summer Books for Moms

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to find a sunny spot in the yard, fill up the baby pool or turn on the sprinkler and let my kids splash while I enjoy an easy summer read.

The Marin Foster Care Association (MFCA) is at the forefront of support and advocacy for
foster children and their dedicated caregivers.

French by association. That is how I would identify myself. I am not actually French at all; however, the universe chose French as my personal love language, and I have been powerless against (and so grateful for) it.

With graduation season drawing to a close, many recent graduates are making their first major decisions about the future – where to live, which job to take and how to spend their non-working hours.

July is for Ignition & Sparks

Per the usual bat of an eye, half the year has flown by already and here we are in July, starting the month with fireworks.

Mind Vacation

“Parents don't really go on vacations. They just take care of their kids in a different city”

Mom Hacks: Keep Cool

Everyone loves good advice. Beat the heat this summer with one of these Mom Hacks!

To Them, You are Beautiful

Denise Bailey with The Nurtured Mommy shares how to vulnerably show up for your children this summer by just deciding to be beautiful enough in her article “To Them, You are Beautiful.”

CircleMoms Supports Moms’ Journeys

The Crier interviews Brittany and Susannah, Founders of CircleMoms.

Achieving Giftedness

When it comes to giftedness, we have more to give our children to help them grow.

June is for Celebrations

Celebrating dads, progress, and all there is to celebrate as we welcome in summer.

Sit and Look Pretty

Denise Bailey writes about what it was like being named after her father and how she’s navigated all of the amazing qualities she wasn’t expected to have, as a girl.

Expert dad lends helpful advice to fellow dads whose partners are breastfeeding.

Golf for Fathers Day

Baby Jackson ponders dad’s favorite pastime in his own non-verbal way.

A loving family mantra brings hearts home amidst busy preparations for Summer.

The Summer List - Pandemic Edition

Making your family’s summer the best one yet (and one you all are in on)!

Tooth Fairy-ing in Modern Times

How to navigate the trials and tribulations of tooth-fairying in 2022.

Marin Beaches

As you plan your family Father’s Day, Juneteenth or any old family day, consider one of these great Marin beaches personally recommended by SMMC members.

Learn how Gilead House is impacting the lives of single moms who would are at risk of homelessness.

Book Picks: Celebrating Fathers

Father’s Day is a special time and a great way to connect and snuggle with your little one. These Father’s Day books celebrate dads of all kinds and are a great way to discuss the special relationship that dads, grandfathers, uncles, step-dads, and important men play in children’s lives.

Book Picks: Mother's Day

Celebrate Mother’s Day with these wonderful books to share with your kids or kick your feet up and escape into one of the great recommendations for you!

Published On 5/5/2022

Find out how PPSC supports moms who suffer from mental health complications after delivery and how you help too!

San Rafael entrepreneur Ellie Dominguez is Founder and Owner of Ellie's Essential Blends, which creates signature oil blends and also supports women and mamas through in-person healing events.

May is for Mothers

A reflection on the weight of motherhood and a reminder to take time for ourselves too.

Learn a technique for mindful listening to connect with your mom-tribe and calm your Worried mind.

Something Good

Published On 5/5/2022

Cherishing the silver linings of a pandemic and the special moments it brought.

Reach a Little Higher

The Nurtured Mommy takes us on a deep dive reflection of how gaining gratitude and understanding for our mother’s journey allows us to move forward on our own.

Share the Bounty

Don’t know what to do with your extra home harvest? Check out what a local high school student is doing to help share the bounty.

Mother is the Teacher

All we ever really need to know we learn from our mothers.

Book Picks: Easter and Passover Books

This month many families celebrate Easter and Passover. Whether you celebrate the religious aspects of these holidays or not, the following books are perfect for sharing with your children about holidays their family, friends or neighbors may celebrate.

Gracing New Beginnings

When I think of new beginnings, Easter almost always comes to mind. At age 8 on Easter weekend, I realized the significance of grace and decisively internalized my family’s faith as my own. It was a pivotal moment for me.

8 Tips for Dealing with Weeds

While the rest of our gardens may be struggling due to lack of rain, weeds continue to thrive! What can we do to be victorious in the neverending battle against them?

Go Ahead: Brag A Little

Complaining about our kids is a time-honored parental tradition. Get some parents together and it won’t take long for the (very valid) complaints to surface. The kids won’t do their homework. The kids won’t clean up after themselves. The kids won’t stop bickering.

April and Spring Break always get me! The kids get time off, yay, but wait now I have to figure out how to navigate, entertain, and connect while still tending to all the typical responsibilities of any given week! Sounds like a big April fools joke to me! Lol

Internal Beginnings

The many phases of motherhood can feel overwhelming at times. There is no starting over. We must accept ourselves exactly where we are.

Meet the 2022-2023 SMMC Board

A brand new group of moms have joined the SMMC Board of Directors and started serving their term on April 1, 2022. In the lead up, we have had an extremely busy three months preparing, learning, transitioning and meeting up, and now we are finally ready to present and introduce the new leadership of the club to you.

April is for Tools

April is not for fools; it's for tools and transformation. This month is an excellent month to assess the previous quarter and check in with ourselves on the five aspects of well-being: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual.

We created Terra Marin to help kids navigate the challenges of their world with empathy, compassion, and grit. Our teachers focus on strengthening self-regulation and building social-emotional intelligence in one-to-one learning opportunities.

Book Picks: Spring

After splashing in puddles, chasing butterflies, smelling fresh flowers, celebrate the arrival of spring with these great books for kids!

Flowers are blooming, the birds are singing and the sun is making all the colors pop! I don’t know about you, but right now I’m feeling the excitement of creating some lightness in my life.

The Test

My step-mother lies almost completely still, her head and most of her slight torso strapped into a bulky plastic brace. The nurse comes in to let us know her L1 vertebra, sternum and three ribs are fractured, on top of the four broken cervical and one thoracic vertebrae we already knew about. “Her osteoporosis makes all this worse,” he said, “she’s lucky to be alive. Must have been some crash.”

How to take Better Spring Break Photos

Spring is in the air, which means Spring Break is just around the corner. This is the first year, in a while, that life has felt like it once was. For many of us, Spring Break will be our first “real vacation.”

Spring Forward; Learn Ahead

Last month our youngest turned five, a big milestone. Watching her big brother do math on Prodigy and Khan Academy, she wanted to start her own accounts.

Published On 3/30/2022

National Plant a Flower Day took place in March! Not only do flowers beautify your yard but they attract pollinators. Watching pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds is fun for the entire family. Don’t worry, it’s not too late. Let’s support pollinators and plant some flowers this spring!

Spring Forward with Courage

When people think of March, they might think of “March Madness” or Spring. When I think of March, I think of courage and a season for transformation.

Rose-Colored Glasses

Denise Bailey encourages us to weather any storm by choosing our perspective. She dives deep into how her mother’s rose-colored glasses often provided a blind faith for what could not yet be seen.

The Crier speaks to Celeste Ezell about Chronos Academy

Book Picks: Love

Cuddle up with your little one and enjoy these sweet cuddly love books to add some extra special love to your reading time. These are some of my favorite stories to read with my children and I hope you enjoy them as well.

Book Picks: Black History Month

Celebrate black history this month by diving into a good book with your child. All the books listed are great for children (and adults) of all ages and especially for our littles under five. Take this opportunity to teach and to learn.

Here we are in the month of love—or maybe the month with the most successfully marketed Hallmark holiday of all time. I’m wondering how you celebrate Valentine's day with your kiddo/s. Do you get them a valentine, chocolates, flowers, presents, little candy hearts that say “be mine”?

Self-Love in the Time of Coronavirus

I was three blocks away from preschool pick up when I realized my feet felt extra toasty because… I still had my slippers on. I was already late, so instead of turning around for shoes I started rationalizing. It isn’t raining. They have hard soles. Whatever, I can’t be the only one.

The Bubble

I remember waking up on Valentine’s Day to my dad holding a box of chocolates and some cute stuffed animal. He would always tell me that the day was about love. He’d explain how much he loved me and how important it was that I choose a partner/husband that loved me as much as he did (in different ways obviously, but you get the point).

Higher Anxiety

The man in front of me shifts his weight from foot to foot, shakes his head disapprovingly, starts to cough. Keeps coughing. Backing away, I cock my head: Is it a throat-clearing cough? Untreated GERD? An allergic tickle? Or is it the grim projectile herald of a COVID-19 infection? Is that why he’s here?

When the Mill Valley Public Library closed in March of 2020 and the Friends could no longer offer in-person shopping opportunities, we knew we needed to pivot to an online shopping option. After much research, the online bookstore was created and was up and running in August 2020.

My Five Point Perspective

2020 was a year that tested many relationships. Since my official diagnosis of ADHD, my husband and I have been getting along much better. He’s finally able to accept certain things about me that I’m never going to outgrow, and I finally saw the emotional abuse in our household coming from all parties involved.

Learn to Love Math

Children love what their parents love, well, at least until they’re teenagers. For example, a beautiful mom-friend of mine who played professional soccer has four daughters who are true soccer prodigies.

Community Spotlight: Mill Valley Family

At SMMC we believe love is love and we are committed to fostering an inclusive community of families for all. This month, we spotlight a beautiful Mill Valley family who are raising five-year-old twins who attend local school, Marin Bright Horizons.

January Book Picks: Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year – also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year – starts with the first new moon of the year and is welcomed with a 15-day celebration in many Asian communities around the world.

Tidy up!

Time for a Christmas Clearout! (Or a Diwali Drop-off, or a…Hanukkah Haulaway?) We do this every January, and it feels so good. Here’s the best of what we’ve learned.

Looking in the Mirror

The day your child was born, so were you. This milestone often goes unacknowledged. For nothing in your life could ever take up as much time, energy, emotion, and effort as mothering. And you will never be the same.

We are well into the new year and as people travel more, have indoor gatherings with multiple households, and fall out their routine of eating and sleeping well, the immune system will be working overtime.

I truly do believe that the way we spend our new year just might be a peek into how
we’ll spend the next year.

Follow the Spark

In 2013, while on maternity leave from my job at Google, I attended a team event at a Cubs game in Chicago, where we lived at the time. I was sitting next to my former boss catching up on babies and work when he casually mentioned that his wife left her corporate job to become a coach.

Diagnosed with ADHD at 38

Lately, I’ve been struggling with depression and feeling burnt out. I was also distraught that I didn’t know I suffered from Attention Deficit Disorder, a condition I had spent decades masking, practicing, and zero knowledge about.

The gift-giving season is fast approaching. So, if you are like a lot of people, this means you are spending time trying to brainstorm gifts to give your loved ones – something that they will use and appreciate. For those disillusioned with giving gifts that are quickly used up or forgotten the moment the wrapping paper comes off, consider a financial gift designed to make an impact.

Book Picks: Holiday Stories

Take some time out of your busy holiday schedule to snuggle up with your little one and enjoy a story of gratitude and the joy of the holiday season together.

In 2022, Be You

I remember the first few months of motherhood, the intensity of the emotions. It was like the volume was turned up and every feeling and experience amplified.

The Divide

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed our lives in myriad ways. For two years, the world over, people have worked, eaten, slept, socialized, parented, exercised, traveled, recreated and lived differently from how we did before.

Permission to Reflect

Think back on all that 2021 has presented in your life over the past 12 months. Use this moment to reflect on where you were a year ago. What small victories have you accomplished? How did you feel going into November of 2021?

Tips for Traveling with Young Children

Contemplating air travel for the holidays? If you don’t have to, don’t do it. With over 700+ American Airline flights having been cancelled in a single weekend, air travel is very unpredictable.

I’m holding on tight as we dance into December!!! Yep, I'm visualizing this wild partner dance where I'm being spun and spun and holding on with dear life to my partner's hand, because I know if I let go I'll go flying and falling.

Book Picks: Thanksgiving Reads

Thanksgiving is upon us and we can’t wait to celebrate with family and friends. So snuggle up with your little one and enjoy a good book to get ready for your Thanksgiving feast.

Don't Burn Up

Along with the exhilaration of sore arms and fresh antibodies, spring of 2021 brought many of us the beginning of an end to our variously self- and externally imposed exiles. After such a long break, we’re not all used to doing so much, so fast. If you feel like your re-entry is going too quickly, that you might be heading for a crash, pull up, take a break: block off an afternoon, or a day, or a weekend, or more than one.

When my kids were little, I was one of those moms that bought fresh organic produce and steamed and puréed it, pre-packing adorable little baby jars with home-made baby food. I now keep chicken nuggets in my freezer.

It’s isolating and upsetting to feel like feeding a family is easy for everyone except you, but know that you’re not alone and most people are going through a similar battle each night.

Mindfulness in the Making

I always end my kids’ yoga classes with my song, Namaste, and the lyrics “Namaste, thank you for today! Namaste, glad you came to play!”

Setting Kind Boundaries

A year ago, many of us were deciding whether we’d even go out for dinner let alone attend a large family gathering. Hopefully you are empowering yourself to define what your new normal looks like.

Re-Thinking Your Lawn

The drought has many of us searching for ways to reduce our water usage. Turning off irrigation to the lawn is a great first step. Here are some ideas if you are wondering what to do next with your lawn. (Spoiler alert: artificial grass is NOT the answer!)

SMMC Thanksgiving Meal Box Project

Published On 11/16/2021

Thanksgiving can be a hard time for some families. So for the holidays this year, SMMC organized a Thanksgiving Meal Box Project with the goal of supplying 35 families under the care of Homeward Bound Marin, the main provider of homeless shelter and services with items to prepare healthy, well balanced, and hearty warm meals.

Holiday Allergies

As holiday party invitations roll in and preparations for hosting thanksgiving dinners and Christmas parties get underway, celebrations promise to be extra special this year after two long years of Covid distancing. However, the season of sharing also often raises the likelihood of cross contaminating foods, resulting in a spike in allergic reactions to food and other triggers.

The Motherhood

I’ve come to appreciate The Motherhood. This unofficial club we all join when we parent. The moms who talk about the real stuff, who see each other when we’re “in it” and offer support, or just a pat on the shoulder. And even more so, the moms who are able to make light of the situation.

How to Nurture Yourself Too

In Motherhood, selflessness is often worn as a badge. And while we know better, we just don’t know how to break the cycle.

Halloween is a special time where young imaginations can run wild and kids are given the creative license to dress up as anything that has inspired them that year.

Holidays Without the Hustle

The desire to create a magical holiday jam-packed with gingerbread houses and hot cocoa movie nights comes from a desire to create memories with your children. But the hustle of it all can leave you feeling exhausted, resentful, and battling a cold on January 3rd while saying things to your husband like, “Next year, no gifts!”

Fall is Still Fall

Our family had been ready for fall, despite the pandemic--ready for soccer and Scouts and football and seeing friends again, yet the virus had been there, too, a wolf on the trail. We had locked eyes with it, kept our heads down, backed away.

Mill Valley artist Sierra Devoto is founder of the home-based jewelry business PoppyMaven.

Don’t Panic about Ants

With all the dropped Halloween candy and the sweetness of the holidays invites some unwelcome guests - ants. YardSmartMarin has all the answers to your questions about them.

Halloween Book Recommendations

Snuggle up with some silly and fun Halloween stories with your little ones or pick up a scary book to frighten your big kids. These Halloween books are sure to get you in the spirit of the season.

A Mother’s Love: Food Allergy Testing

One mother's personal mission to protect her daughter from her near-fatal food allergies led her to create an evidence-based food allergy testing and treatment center for families.

The Tech Conundrum for Parents

I recently spent two weeks traveling the Pacific Coast in a 25-foot Airstream with my husband and our three kids. It was magical, and I learned a lot about myself—specifically related to my relationship with my phone.

Finding the right preschool that matches your child’s needs is important. You want your child’s first school experience to be a positive one that leads to success. Many factors need to be considered when you're looking for a quality preschool, and it takes time to find the right one.

Ask anyone who has merged two families into a new family unit and they’ll likely tell you it’s a bit of a challenge. In addition to learning how to adjust to new roles and rules, blended families face the complicated task of combining finances.

Almost two years ago, Amanda Kahlow decided to change the course of her life. She left 6sense, a tech company of which she was previously CEO and Chairman (that has now turned into a $2b unicorn), to pursue what she views as the most important job one could ever have: being a mom.

Ah, tantrums. Everyone will tell you that they are totally normal and that every toddler has them. But somehow, when you’re in the middle of experiencing your child’s wrath, it can feel like you’re the worst parent on earth.

It Must Be Nice

Denise Bailey writes about how comparison and gratitude cannot occupy the same space in her article, It Must Be Nice.

Sleep-away Camp for Newbies

This past summer marked a major milestone in the Harris family: our two older boys packed up their duffel bags and headed off to sleep-away camp for three whole weeks.

Looking to move out of your starter home to accommodate your growing family? Here are some tips to get a headstart in Marin’s booming housing market.

Marin County has the highest rates of inequity of all the counties in California, and this San Rafael organization aims to help immigrants level the playing field.

Buglet Learns to Fly

SMMC mom Adrienne Liggett drew inspiration from her childhood to bring a children’s story to life — and she published it during the pandemic!

Is a Postpartum Doula Right for Me?

Babies don’t come home from the hospital with instruction manuals. Five highly experienced Postpartum Doulas—who specialize in lactation, sleep coaching and day/night support—share advice for new parents and are here to hold your hand.

Why Can’t Moms Take Sick Days?

It’s stressful when the whole family catches a bug and mom has to take care of everyone. But what happens when mom falls sick? Here are some ways we can better look after ourselves.

Dinner at my House

Having grown up with fond memories of her own family ending each day with a family meal, Kate Cayanni tries to do the same with her toddlers.

Dad’s Corner: To Avalon!

Discovering the joys of spending one-on-one time with our kids

How to Choose a Preschool

Choosing the first school for your little one is no easy task, especially with the plethora of choices available in Marin.

What’s a Divorce Coach?

Sarah Roth, a longtime SMMC member and divorce coach educates us on the benefits and nuances of this unique resource—what they do, what they don’t do, and when it might be time to call one.

How to Teach Money Fundamentals to Kids

Financial planner Courtney Horn shares simple financial lessons that could give your kids the power to make better spending choices.

5 Tips on Finding Your Mom Tribe

Motherhood brings a lot of changes. Some we expect and some we could never in a million years predict.

Published On 8/25/2021

Rats are one of the most common pests in Marin. They can be anywhere: your yard, garage, maybe even in your home or car. YardSmartMarin is here to answer all of your questions about rats!

Not only does the annual California fire season pose a physical threat—the long list of short- and long-term decisions that every local parent is forced to make takes a mental toll.

Mothers abhor the idea of letting their babies cry and want to pick them up. Dads don’t always feel the same way.

Are Kegels Enough?

For all mothers, you and your body have changed and will continue to change as you raise your children. Throughout our lifespan, we must honor and acknowledge and learn how to care for ourselves each step of the way.

The laundry is piled a mile high; you can’t recall the last time you showered; and the last meal you ate consisted of scraps off your toddler’s plate. Overwhelm is kicking in, stress is at an all-time high, and burnout is just around the corner.

Tiburon dad Charlie Friend has seen toys flying across the room enough times to know that a durable toy is of unquestionable importance for a young child’s safety.

For many of us, the pandemic has completely disrupted our sense of linear time and predictability, introducing us to a new, more stressful and burnout-inducing lens on time—monotony.

Ready, Set...Kindergarten!

Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for students and families. In most cases the kids are going from a small preschool to a much larger elementary school with far more independence. All kids respond differently: some may be excited and will skip through the classroom door while others may be more nervous and have to be peeled from their parents’ arms (like my kids).

Curated by Ibis Teasdale, these titles focus on big feelings, new experiences, and emotional conversations that kids can relate to.

Listen a little and you’ll hear your inner Cassandra warning you about all sorts of things, all the time, with implications ranging from the day-to-day to the occasional to the long-term.

I think we can all agree it’s important to get your children to do chores. The Internet is full of articles about age-appropriate chores, ranging from picking up toys for 3-year-olds to changing vacuum bags for 13-year-olds.

In the heat of a difficult conversation, it’s easy to forget that the person we’re at loggerheads with most likely didn’t wake up in the morning with the mission to ruin our day.

An art project that uses recycled materials, glitter and anything else you find around the house results in a pretty product and provides a fun activity for the afternoon.

Sheltering in place and keeping our distance has had a toll on social grace. I feel like months of heavy events, political mayhem and general guardedness has led to a void in the ability to conjure up lighthearted and convivial party talk.

Five Surprising Things About Newborns

Becoming a new parent often brings an explosion of joy but it can simultaneously be a terrifying experience to be responsible for a tiny life. No matter how many hospital tours you attend or books you studied while pregnant, there is just so much to learn and know.

The abruptness of returning to our new-old life feels like a plunge into a cold pool with toddlers. Even if the swim will be fun, it’s an adjustment.

Community Heroes: Cake4Kids

Once upon a time Marie Antoinette said, “Let them eat cake,” and so we do. We eat cakes for graduations, baby showers, holidays and birthdays!

Growing a Safer, Greener Garden

Do you have a picture-perfect yard? Weed-free emerald-green lawn, voluptuous roses with nary an aphid in sight, and vegetable beds sporting big juicy tomatoes with spotless foliage? If this perfection was achieved without the use of pesticides, bravo!

Packing Tips for Traveling with Kids

You’re vaxxed up, things are opening back up and you’re ready to hit the road. And then… you remember that you have to bring your child with you.

Like any muscle, our kids’ brains need exercise. Here, one mom shares how she guides her kids with daily brain workouts—even during summer holidays.

Our First Getaway Alone

They say almost anything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…even you.

Five Mom Hacks from Elenna Nee

This week, we feature resourceful Tam Valley mom, Elenna Nee, who shares her favorite mom hack tips with the SMMC community.

Marin's 6 Best Farms for Summer Picking

There is no time like summer to load the kids in the car and head out to a nearby farm where they have an abundance of space to roam in the sun and collect baskets of fresh produce.

Self Care for Working Moms

What is the rudest question you can ask a mom? It isn’t what you think.

The Alchemy of Parental Anxiety

Despite seemingly positive indicators and thriving kids, dads often quietly question the quality of their parenting. How to get past these irrational fears?

Raising Little Leaguers

There are few things more American for a father-son bonding experience than a dad coaching his son through his first baseball season.

Mom Hacks: Folding a Fitted Sheet

How to fold a fitted sheet? A Mill Valley mom solves one of life’s great mysteries.

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