Should I use the carrot or the stick? You’re asking the wrong question. Many of us were raised under a system of punishments versus rewards. Good behavior results in the carrot, bad behavior results in the stick. Over the past …
A MOPS Story: the Invitation
Jesus – he was with me all along. A relenting love that was pursuing me my whole life; I just needed to look up and see that it was him. My story starts about 10 years ago. A young woman …
Saying “Yes”
Photo: MOPS Brazil 2019 I was new to the Denver area with a three-year-old and a newborn. My family lived an hour away, but honestly, some days it felt like the moon as I was learning to navigate being a …
Call for Submissions – Fall 2019
MOPS is currently seeking pieces on the following subjects: Practical Tips Activities to do with your kids Decluttering 101 – arranging the pantry, sorting baby clothes, etc. How you found your people How you document your child’s milestones How and …
Fighting for Your Marriage When Life Beats You Up
In the parenting journey, just as in life, nothing is guaranteed. The unexpected happens to all of us, but there are some things that not only come as a surprise, they turn life on its head. And in those moments, …
The Juggle Is Real
I am a creature of habit. Since an early age, I realized that I thrive on routine and consistency and that I do not like surprises of any shape or form. The structure to life that I pursued served me …
Motherhood and Career
On November 2, 2017, my new identity as a mother formed when I gave birth to my baby girl. Suddenly, all of my maternal instincts from within unleashed care and compassion onto this beautiful creature. Instantly, she had become the …
The Reality of Rest
Our fall break didn’t go as planned. I mean, when does any stretch of time off really go as planned? But this week capped any week I’ve ever had. From an unexpected health emergency landing my husband in ICU for …
10 Breastfeeding Wardrobe Hacks
After my sister, Caitlyn, gave birth to her first baby, she attended a friend’s wedding wearing a dress that was both flattering and trendy. This was a feat for a newly postpartum mom. She felt like a million bucks. Then her brand new …
Light a Match
After seeing the news on Facebook about the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, I sank into my living room chair, phone glued to my hand as I scrolled for more information about what had happened and why. My shoulders began to shake …