Pandemic Perfect on Paper But a Mess in Real Life
by Mari Walker on
“Does your house always look like this? Like, so messy?” My daughter’s friend asked innocently enough. I’ve pondered this question in the months since it was asked during that one-and-only sleepover we hosted. I was knee-jerk offended in the moment,... Read full article
How Do I Respond to Comments from Kids About My Body?
by Mari Walker on
As I established in Suit Up, Mama, I’m living my life in a fat body. It’s not good or bad, it just is. I certainly wish my body were smaller sometimes, and I do exercise and try to be healthy. But I also accept it for what it is: my body that allows ... Read full article
Be It Resolved: 2020 Parenting Goals
by Mari Walker on
January is here once again, and after the excess of the holiday season, the start of a new calendar feels like a good time for a clean start. (It also seems like a good time to buy some new toy storage solutions, but that’s probably another post!) Al... Read full article
Bunny Bunny Goes Missing!
by Mari Walker on
It’s hard to know what toy your kid will latch onto, what will become the irreplaceable lovey or important, gotta-take-it-everywhere trinket.... Read full article
My Dream Role: Being the “Yes” Mom
by Mari Walker on
Once upon a time, in a life not so long ago, I got a chance to play the role of a lifetime: the “yes” Mom.... Read full article
Raising Readers One Book at a Time
by Mari Walker on
A recent Baby Center email for my seven year old (yes, I still open them to read about her development!) had the headline, “How to Encourage Reading.” I laughed and read along, knowing the advice doesn’t apply to me just now.... Read full article
Silver Lining to a Scary Situation: My Daughter Was Lost, But We Both Found Friends
by Mari Walker on
Life is a balancing act, and I find that especially true with my roles as mother and writer. Last December, I was on deadline, finishing up some briefs for the Community section of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. One of the briefs I’d just finished was... Read full article
A Home-Centered Birthday: A Fourth Trip Around the Sun
by Mari Walker on
A year ago, I was writing about our play date style birthday party for our younger daughter. This year, she turned four without a party, but as a family of four, we did celebrate her with everything we could muster.... Read full article
A Summer Without Bug Bites or Sunburn? Adventures in Virtual Camping
by Mari Walker on
We may be “over” coronavirus, but it’s clear this pandemic is not over for us. Summer has looked a lot different for our family, and we’re certainly living a smaller life.... Read full article
A Playdate-Style Birthday Party
by Mari Walker on
Birthday parties for littles can add up fast. For a few Benjamins, you can take them and a few friends to a bounce place or rent a bounce house for your backyard. We didn’t start big parties like that for my older daughter until she was about five.... Read full article