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Anonymous Screen Name Reminder
Before posting to the Anonymous Forum for the first time, be sure to check and make sure your Anonymous Forum handle is set up correctly otherwise your name will be included with your message in the Daily Digest.
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SMMC’s Tips for Navigating the Formula Shortage
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.
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SMMC Partner: X’Core, a New Pilates Studio in San Rafael
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.
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Mom-preneur

Mama-preneur Spotlight: Sarah Buscho of Earth Tu Face
Herbalist Sarah Buscho is the Founder and President of Bay Area organic skincare cosmetics company, Earth Tu Face.
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Baby

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ALTER-EGO PANDEMIC BABY!
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.
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The Crier

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.
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Family Friendly Volunteer Opportunities
Learn about family-friendly volunteer opportunities in Marin that you can enjoy with young children.
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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.
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Gratitude and Protecting Your Well-Being During the Holidays
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.
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The Perfect Thanksgiving Day Table: A Labor of Love
Design tips for decorating your Thanksgiving table and incorporating personal touches to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
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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.
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The Haunting of Chronic Illness: How Ignoring it Can Lead to Frightening Consequences
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?
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Imagining a New Motherhood
Imagining a motherhood journey that is supported through all stages.
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Creating a Costume Corner for Kids in Your Home: Where Imagination Takes Center Stage
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.
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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.
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8 Steps to Deciding What School is Best for Your Young Child
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.
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Fall Back to Self: Rejuvenation, Reflection, and Revival
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.
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How to Create an Elevated Outfit in 5 Minutes or Less
Learn the stylist-approved outfit formula to look put together and stylish in a hurry.
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Five Favorite Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Functional Wellness for Working Moms: Balancing Health with Life’s Demands
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.
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Give Me 5: Must-Read Books to Spark New Conversations About Motherhood
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.
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Unleashing Your Inner Warren Buffett: Life Goals Guide to the 25/5 Rule
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!
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Balancing Work and Family: Transitioning Your Home from Office Time to Family Time for Work From Hom
Learn how focusing on the right design for your home office can help you effortlessly transition from work life to home life.
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Stay at Home and Working Moms Member Spotlights
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.
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Latitude’s food allergy treatment is changing lives for families in Marin
For hundreds of Marin families living with the anxiety of food allergies, Latitude Food Allergy Care in San Rafael has been life-changing.
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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.
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Back to School: Meltdowns, Transitions, and Quick Tips for finding Balance
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.
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Back-to-School Organization: Interior Design Ideas for a Stress-Free Start
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!
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Transform Your Health: Leveraging Back-to-School
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.
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Milky Oat’s Emphasis on Fresh Local Food in the Postpartum Period
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.
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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.
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Beach Days and Baby Dreams: Functional Medicine Tips for Hormonal Balance This Summer
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.
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Pixar's Inside Out 2 delivers! Add this one to your family's summer bucket list.
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!
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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).
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Summer of Joy
One small step at a time to a happier, more fulfilled, and more relaxed version of yourself.
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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.
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Summertime Backyard Bliss: Outdoor Design Tips for the Whole Family
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!
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Selfishly Healthy: Personalized Coaching for Busy Moms Facing Hormone Changes and Stress
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.
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When Technology is Too Much, Get Outside
This summer and beyond, let’s rely less on technology and get our families outside to move, play, connect, and create.
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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.
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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.
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Embracing New Roles: The Psychological and Health Impacts of Fatherhood
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.
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Community Heroes: Announcing the Community Living Fund for North Bay Families
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
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Osher Marin JCC Preschools and Early Childhood Education Center - San Rafael & Mill Valley
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.
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Daddy, Let’s Play!
The way dads play with their children greatly affects a child’s development.
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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.
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The Modern Renovation - Harnessing Technology in the Home for Tech-Savvy Dads
Tech-savvy dads are at the forefront of incorporating technology into modern residential interior design, incorporating cutting-edge gadgets and innovations into their homes.
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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!
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The World Needs Gifted Girls
Giftedness is not a gift to receive but a gift to develop and give for the benefit of others.
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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.
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Design Ideas for Creating a Spa Bathroom Experience for Busy Moms
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.
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The Mom Mindset
Okay, let’s be honest. Being a mom is the hardest job in the world.
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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.
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Advertorial: One in Ten—Understanding Secondary Infertility
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
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A Love Letter to Mothers
A poetic love letter to celebrate mothers everywhere.
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Calling Mom from California
How connection can feel elusive when you make a life away from home.
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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.
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May is Maternal Mental Health Month
Together, we can break the stigma and change the narrative around maternal mental health.
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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.
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A Letter to Zoey
A letter to my seven year old…or my seven year old self?
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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.
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Fostering Interconnection Through Therapy
Lina Fancy shares her experience working with the FITT program through the Marin Foster Care Association.
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SMMC Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Marin Foster Care Association
SMMC Members Raise Nearly $10k for MFCA’s Therapy Program
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Spring Cleaning: Clear Your Home and Your Mind
Learn tips on how a little spring “organizing” can transform your home and your heart.
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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.
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Getting Started with Exercise After Giving Birth
Considerations for new moms on how to get started with movement postpartum.
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Why CIO Sleep Methods Do Not Work for Toddlers
Learn more about Dr. Angelique Millette’s proven sleep methods for helping toddlers feel safe and secure at sleep time.
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Advertorial: Friendship Explorations—Camp with a Therapeutic Twist or Therapy with a Camp Twist!
Join us for a summer of camp fun with a therapeutic twist, or therapy with a camp twist!
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Modeling An "Open Mind" in the Early Years
Tips from a local nonprofit partner about supporting children living with disabilities.
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When School’s Too Easy
Learn how to strengthen a child’s intellect beyond the glass ceiling.
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Searching for Our Village
Considering how the proverb “it takes a village” plays out in our modern lives.
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A Wildfire Safety Primer for Parents: Take Control and Be Ready
Here’s a primer to help you understand wildfire risks and what to do to keep your family safe.
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SMMCpreneur: Amelia Plumb Photography
Interview with Amelia Plumb - Owner of Amelia Plumb Photography
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Adventures in Culinary Cuisine
Putting together a culinary fundraising party cooked up some community magic.
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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.
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The Gift of Love is in the Air - Literally! CO2 Levels in the Bedroom
Learn the importance of checking indoor carbon dioxide levels.
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The Redwoods: A Community of Seniors
Learn about their lovely community and how to be involved.
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For the Love of Science
Instill a love of science to set kids up for success.
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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.
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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.
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Keeping the Flame Alive
Share your dreams and fears this Valentines Day
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Glad That’s Over
It was a long December, and I’ve reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.
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A Habit of Spontaneity
Published On 1/4/2024
Young children initiate their own learning regimen; we get to stand by and watch!
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Move More in 2024
Consider these ideas and strategies to improve fitness and make regular exercise a habit in the new year.
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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.
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Embracing the Crown Over the Cape: Setting Boundaries for a Healthier You
Setting boundaries
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Postpartum Support Center: Wraparound Services for Perinatal Families
A safety net, helping families have the best start to parenthood.
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Top 5 Family Traditions that Light Up our Holidays
A family shares their favorite holiday traditions and hopes you’ll be inspired to make one uniquely yours.
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New Traditions
Read how family traditions take on a new meaning as a new mom celebrates her first Christmas with her daughter.
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Mindful Movement for Stress Relief
Consider how mindful movement can relieve stress and tension this holiday season and beyond.
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This Year, Less Stuff
After a year of great loss, this family takes a new approach to gifting: experiences.
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Holiday Giving: Support a Child in Foster Care
Shop for a cause this holiday season.
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SMMC Entrepreneurs Holiday Gift Guide
Support fellow SMMC moms and shop the incredible products they have created!
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Eating Disorders, Body Image, and Our Children
Signs, symptoms, and risk factors - and what to do if you are concerned about your child or teen.
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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.
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The Power of Giving
Published On 11/2/2023
Everyday acts of giving back play a crucial role in our journey to happiness.
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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.
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Firewise Communities: The Power of Working Together
Published On 11/2/2023
Join or create a Firewise Community in your neighborhood to help Marin residents prepare for and prevent wildfires.
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Gratitude for Our Bodies
Published On 11/2/2023
Inspiring gratitude and self-love for our bodies and all that they do for us.
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SMMCpreneur: Are Travel Agents Still a Thing?
Published On 11/2/2023
Yes, and you probably want one for your next adventure. Read more to learn why…
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Thanksgiving Care Packages for 75 Families in Need
Published On 11/2/2023
Please join us in supporting our neighbors in need this 2023 Thanksgiving season.
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Sports Dentistry
Published On 11/2/2023
Learn how to prevent mouth injuries during sports from a practicing pediatric dentist.
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The Power of an Early Start
Learn how a Montessori education helps children develop.
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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.
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October is for ADHD!
This month, look around you for all the neurodivergent people in your life.
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Championing Imagination in Our Children’s Lives and Our Own
A call to cultivate creativity in both kids and grownups.
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From Homeless to Homeward Bound of Marin
One mother’s story of hope and an invitation to support families in need
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My Inner Anauraliac
Find out one way to deal with the voices in your head.
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How to Choose a Preschool: A Complete Guide
This guide will help you choose your child's preschool wisely
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Want Your Child’s School and Your Local Parks to Stop Spraying Pesticides?
Here are two opportunities to take action
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Playgroup Spotlight: October-December 2022
Learn how these families have built community together.
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Pilates You Can Do at Your Desk
Take a break from sitting with these modified Pilates exercises that you can practice at your desk.
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A Child’s Second Home
Consider alternatives for your child’s education.
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In Defense of the Ordinary Barbie
The lessons of self-reflection and belonging from the hit movie of the summer, Barbie
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Sharing Financial Wisdom With Your Kids
No one else can educate kids about money at each stage of their development.
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Travel School: London & Paris
How to help kids learn while you travel
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Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
The best kept secret for a kids’ day out in Marin
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Back to School Hacks for a Smooth Transition
Strategies to make a successful first day of school
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Show Her Real Friendships
Dive back into the social emotional challenges by helping your daughter navigate the playground.
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The Crucible
One family hunkers down for a (maybe a bit too-) epic remodel.
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Creating Time for Movement
Practical tips for busy moms to fit movement into their lives.
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The Last Month Rollercoaster
What to do while waiting for baby to come
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Take a Fresh Look at Your Finances
July is a good time for a mid-year money review!
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Little Daredevils
How to encourage risky independence safely
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Adapting to Wildfire
Protect your family & home from wildfires this summer.
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From Alcatraz with Love
From baby kicks to swimming across the Bay!
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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.
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Keep Your Cool
5 ways to help you keep your cool this summer!
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Is there a mouse in the house?
How to deal with mice safely & humanely
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Becoming US in Marin
Read why these parents-to-be are dreaming big for their girl.
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My Second Father’s Day
Golfing with Dad? Not this year!
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Real Dads Do Pilates
A few ways the dads in your life can benefit from Pilates.
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April-June 2022 playgroup celebrates one year birthdays!
One year, one unbreakable mama bond
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Fashion Matters, Especially for Mommies
Take care of yourself with style!
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Karen McMillin of FIT4MOM Marin
Reach your fitness goals while spending time with your little ones.
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Reaching Out–The Power of Collaboration
A network of yoga moms around the world create a book to make a difference!
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When Impermanence Comes Knocking
When life gets hard, don’t forget to breathe!
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Seven Variations on Gift Giving for Your Spouse or Partner
Think outside the box: alternatives to traditional presents for your significant other.
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Dining Out With Children
How to plan and prepare for restaurant success so you can actually enjoy eating out.
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The Anti-Hero
A difficult Father’s Day reflection finds gratitude in little things.
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Big Moves
Look through the eyes of a first-time mom who just moved to Marin
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Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!
Jackson planned a special day with Mama to celebrate!
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Mother’s Day for Gilead House
Pay it forward. Encourage moms in adversity this month.
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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.
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Feeding Hummingbirds
April showers, bring May flowers - and hummingbirds! Learn how you can attract hummingbirds to your garden.
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Moms in the Frame
Picture Perfect Parenthood–why snapping shots with your children matters more than you may think.
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Learning to Pa(w)rent From A Rookie
Unexpected parenting wisdom from a fur-mama and her fur-baby
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Strong as a Mother
How to reconnect to our bodies after the transformation of becoming a mother
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The Wisdom of Early Intervention
Do you think your child may be struggling from development delays? Early Intervention is key.
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Raising Healthy Kids in a Too-Often Unhealthy World
Marin Montessori offers resources to help parents navigate difficult times.
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Women and Retirement: Financial Considerations
Close the gender gap for your golden years: eight strategies to help save for your future.
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Ways to Involve Your Child in Your Upcoming Trip (And a Few Ways Not To!)
Simplify the packing and planning for your next trip with these practical steps.
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Play: The Underestimated Powerhouse
Learn about all the ways kids learn.
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Getting Rid of Gophers
Here’s how to diagnose and treat a gopher problem.
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How to warm up your relationship when things have cooled down
Enjoy some sage advice on improving your marriage.
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Meet the 2023-2024 SMMC Board
Meet your SMMC Board of Directors for 2023-2024
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Warm Up the Brain
Early exposure to learning sets kids up for excellence in any field!
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Hot Yoga . . . for Kids?
When it’s cold and dreary outside, it might just be time for a little hot yoga with the kids.
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The Dividend
Making deliberate improvements to your habits will result in a healthier, happier, less-stressed life.
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5 Ways to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen
How to start cooking with your kids
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Warming up to Daycare
Baby Jackson processes time away from Mom and Dad in his new school.
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Supporting Social Emotional Development in Young Children
Through practice children can gain social emotional skills for life.
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Daily Habits for Healthy Teeth
Take some advice from a dentist to keep your child’s teeth healthy.
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C’est la vie, Parenting in Marin!
How to help kids gain perspective in the Marin bubble.
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Preparing for a Sibling
Maintaining a harmonious home by preparing your child for the arrival of a new sibling.
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Parenting as a Foster to Adopt Family
Marin Foster Care is looking for families to foster adopt.
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Put Down that Sharpie!
Be careful about using & perpetuating parenting stereotypes–they often do more harm than good.
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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.
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Healing Joy Bonds
Helping our children deal with their own mental health issues is heart-wrenching, nearly impossible and utterly essential.
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Hard Decisions of Parenthood
Focus on forgiveness and rest easy knowing that you are doing your best!
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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.
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How to Select Plants for Your Garden
Here are a few important considerations before planting this spring
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Why Printing your Photographs Matters
Preserving your family’s memories one photo at a time
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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.
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Is that Hole from a Vole?
Manage voles in your yard and garden without pesticides.
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Love: Stuffies and Other Friends
Baby Jackson reveals his true love.
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Connected with Love
Foster loving-kindness in your children with this empathetic meditation.
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7 Tips for Skiing Success with Children
Preparation and patience form the foundation for success on the slopes!
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Love Yourself
Denise Bailey vulnerably shares her struggle with learning how to show up as a perfectly imperfect mother of three.
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Nourishing Nectars with Djamilla Samad
Djamilla Samad brings her whole into her chocolate truffle business, Nourishing Nectars.
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The Anti-Heuristic
Raise capable children who can navigate increasingly complex and hostile environments with critical thinking skills.
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Big Love from Gilead House
Gilead House offers gratitude for SMMC’s February and March meal drive.
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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.
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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.
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IVF | Intense & Vulnerable Feelings
Kate describes the arduous anticipation that accompanies fertility treatments.
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Life Changes: Food and Noises
Baby Jackson revels in new flavors & sounds while his parents make some changes of their own.
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What Happens to Your Brain Before Your First Orangetheory Class
New to Orangetheory? These Tips Will Help Calm Your Nerves
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The Spirituality of Raising Kids
Yoga Conferences are awakening to the deep spiritual work of raising kids.
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Learn to Quit
Listen for the changes we need to make in our kids’ activities.
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Wisdom & Wiggles
Wisdom & Wiggles is a memorable event that both children and adults love! Look out for the upcoming W&W events.
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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.
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What is the meaning of life?
Baby Jackson ponders big questions with his sweet, simple perspective.
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All Rise for the Mug of Glory!
Learn how to nurture glorious & absurd traditions with your family.
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A Meaningful Jewish Christmas
Read about ways that a Jewish family that doesn’t celebrate Christmas makes the holiday special and meaningful. Merry Everything!
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Matrix Parent Network for Children Special Needs
Learn about Sensitive Santa and the organization that started it.
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Joinable Brings People Together
Learn a new way to connect communities.
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Interviewing Santas
Enjoy this unique account of SMMC’s director of events finding the perfect Santa for the Holiday Fair.
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The Architecture of Healing
Lannette reflects on 2022 with a new healthier perspective.
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The Journey of Fulfillment
Denise writes about her commitment to the journey of fulfillment through a candid and helpful conversation that inspires and motivates.
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Keeping it Together While Traveling Together
Published On 12/2/2022
Build a tradition of stress-free holiday travel.
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RSV vs. Flu vs. COVID-19. Which is it?
Helpful medical advice to prepare us for flu season.
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Preserve Your Sanity
Prepare for the busy holiday rush by remembering what’s most important.
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SMMC 40+ Parents
Learn about how parents over 40 get together, help each other and stay connected.
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Parenting With Your Parents
Co-parenting with grandparents can be tricky; here are some helpful hints.
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Finding Gratitude
Exercise a positive attitude before Thanksgiving!
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In Sickness and in Health
Be patient with yourself as you reestablish routines after a setback.
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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.
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Homeward Bound of Marin
Opening doors to safety, dignity, hope, and independence.
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Learn Through Making
Published On 11/2/2022
Learn why kids learn best with their hands and how to build on that.
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Thanksgiving Books
Prepare your family for Thanksgiving with these fantastic book picks.
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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.
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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!
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Play Marin: Play is the Way
Learn how Play Marin empowers youth and spurs social change in Marin City.
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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.
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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.
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Reconnecting to Your Light
Learn yoga exercises to clear the fog and chaos in your mind and live in mental sunshine and peace.
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January - March 2022 Playgroup
What is special about your playgroup?
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Grow Your Imagination
We Grow our Imaginations when we learn from our children how to dream bigger.
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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.
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We Love Lizards!
Learn to love lizards just as much as your kids do!
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Stretching Summer's Vibes Into Fall
Learn creative ways to keep those good summer feelings going all year long.
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They Still Need You
Spend time in your child’s classroom; your involvement affects your child’s engagement.
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Never Too Early to Start Learning
Baby Jackson explores his passions at a very early age.
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Do You Remember September?
Learn how trauma can show up and adopt some tools for working through it.
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What to Wear for Your Fall Family Photos
Expert tips to help you choose your outfits for Family Portraits!
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Middle School Awaits
Cody Harris takes us on a nostalgic journey back to middle school in anticipation of his own son reaching the milestone.
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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).
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PAASS: Project Awareness and Special Sports
Published On 8/31/2022
Learn how Tyler Barbee is helping kids with special needs experience sports and how you can help too!
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Returning to School as an Adult? How to Fund Tuition
Published On 8/31/2022
Expert financial advisor suggests five sources for funding adult education.
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Book Picks: Back to School
Get your little ones prepared for the new school year with these great book picks!
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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.
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Music Babies
Published On 8/10/2022
Consider the lifelong benefits of learning music young.
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These flies are good guys!
Here’s how to protect beneficial bugs so they can protect your garden.
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Food and Mood
Children eat more than just calories.
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Illusion of Control
Denise Bailey with The Nurtured Mommy shares a story about a super-spreader and her illusion of control.
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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.
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The Benefit of Distance
Your kids are changing right in front of you, every day. It’s worth taking the time to notice.
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Food Allergy Testing
Learn how to identify and treat food allergies in children from Debbie Taback, co-founder of Latitude Food Allergy Care.
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Where to Start When Creating an Estate Plan
Courtney Horn lays out five important documents to help us plan for the unexpected.
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A Trip to the Zoo
Baby Jackson reflects back on his trip to the zoo with his parents.
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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.
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Community Heroes: Marin Foster Care Association
The Marin Foster Care Association (MFCA) is at the forefront of support and advocacy for
foster children and their dedicated caregivers.
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French by Association: Life-long Benefits of Language Learning
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.
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Help Your Graduate Get On Solid Financial Ground
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.
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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.
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Mind Vacation
“Parents don't really go on vacations. They just take care of their kids in a different city”
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Mom Hacks: Keep Cool
Everyone loves good advice. Beat the heat this summer with one of these Mom Hacks!
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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.”
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CircleMoms Supports Moms’ Journeys
The Crier interviews Brittany and Susannah, Founders of CircleMoms.
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Achieving Giftedness
When it comes to giftedness, we have more to give our children to help them grow.
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June is for Celebrations
Celebrating dads, progress, and all there is to celebrate as we welcome in summer.
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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.
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Milkmen: How Dads Can Support Their Breastfeeding Partners
Expert dad lends helpful advice to fellow dads whose partners are breastfeeding.
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Golf for Fathers Day
Baby Jackson ponders dad’s favorite pastime in his own non-verbal way.
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How To See Through The Eyes of Love — An Easy Daily Mantra
A loving family mantra brings hearts home amidst busy preparations for Summer.
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The Summer List - Pandemic Edition
Making your family’s summer the best one yet (and one you all are in on)!
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Tooth Fairy-ing in Modern Times
How to navigate the trials and tribulations of tooth-fairying in 2022.
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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.
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Gilead House: A place of hope and empowerment
Learn how Gilead House is impacting the lives of single moms who would are at risk of homelessness.
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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.
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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!
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Community Heroes: Postpartum Support Center
Published On 5/5/2022
Find out how PPSC supports moms who suffer from mental health complications after delivery and how you help too!
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SMMCpreneur: Ellie Dominguez of Ellie's Essential Blends
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.
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May is for Mothers
A reflection on the weight of motherhood and a reminder to take time for ourselves too.
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Mindfulness in the Making: May We Be Mindful and Listen
Learn a technique for mindful listening to connect with your mom-tribe and calm your Worried mind.
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Something Good
Published On 5/5/2022
Cherishing the silver linings of a pandemic and the special moments it brought.
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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.
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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.
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Mother is the Teacher
All we ever really need to know we learn from our mothers.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Mindfulness in the Making: April's Full?
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Meet Wendy Xa, Head of School at Terra Schools
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.
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Book Picks: Spring
After splashing in puddles, chasing butterflies, smelling fresh flowers, celebrate the arrival of spring with these great books for kids!
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Mindfulness in the Making: No Mud, No Lotus
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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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Support and Protect Pollinators with Spring Planting!
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!
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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.
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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.
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Welcome Community Partner: Chronos Academy
The Crier speaks to Celeste Ezell about Chronos Academy
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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.
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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.
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Mindfulness in the Making: Metta For All
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”?
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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.
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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).
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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?
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Mill Valley Friends of the Library Online Bookstore
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SMMC Ed Series: Essential Nutrients for Your Kids’ Immunity
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.
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Mindfulness in the Making: Happy New Year
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.
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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.
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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.
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Holiday Gift Guide: Financial Gifts with a Lasting Impact
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Mindfulness in the Making: Dancing Into December
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.
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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.
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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.
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Kate’s Take: Let them have chicken nuggets
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.
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3 Toxic Myths About Parenting Picky Eaters
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.
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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!”
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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.
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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!)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SMMC Moms Share Their Halloween Tricks and Treats
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.
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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!”
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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.
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This month’s SMMCpreneur: Sierra Devoto of PoppyMaven
Mill Valley artist Sierra Devoto is founder of the home-based jewelry business PoppyMaven.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How to Choose a Preschool: A Complete Guide
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.
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Six Tips to Discovering Financial Bliss for the Blended Family
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.
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Member Spotlight: Amanda Kahlow’s Journey to Motherhood
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.
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3 Tips to for Staying Grounded During a Toddler Tantrum
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.
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It Must Be Nice
Denise Bailey writes about how comparison and gratitude cannot occupy the same space in her article, It Must Be Nice.
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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.
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Top Tips for Parents Buying a Family Home
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.
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Canal Alliance — 40 Years of Supporting Immigrants in Marin
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dad’s Corner: To Avalon!
Discovering the joys of spending one-on-one time with our kids
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Top Tips for Managing Rats, a Common Marin Pest
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!
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The Mental Load of Fire Season for Parents
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.
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Accepting that Parents Respond Differently to Crying Kids
Mothers abhor the idea of letting their babies cry and want to pick them up. Dads don’t always feel the same way.
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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.
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5 Ways to Rediscover your Inner Strength
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.
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Toys from Milk Jugs: Meet Community Partner Green Toys
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.
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Renegotiating Our Relationship with Time
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.
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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).
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July 2021 Book Picks: Big Feelings & New Experiences
Curated by Ibis Teasdale, these titles focus on big feelings, new experiences, and emotional conversations that kids can relate to.
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Listen to your Inner Voice — and Reacquaint Yourself with Cassandra
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.
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To Get your Kids to Care About Chores, Make them “Family Citizens”
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.
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Difficult Conversations and How to Make them Easier
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.
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Mom Hacks: Calming Glitter Bottles and More
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.
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Kate’s Take: Remembering How to Engage in Small Talk
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.
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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.
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There's no Wrong Way to Come out of a Pandemic
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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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To Teach Your Kids How to Focus, Try “Brainwork”
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.
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Our First Getaway Alone
They say almost anything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…even you.
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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.
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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.
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Self Care for Working Moms
What is the rudest question you can ask a mom? It isn’t what you think.
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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?
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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.
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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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