The last week has been full on in our house — it started Friday with a pretty epic stomach bug that took 3 of the 4 of us out for a day at a time. Then: snow! Way below freezing temperatures! No school yet this week…
There has been a lot of togetherness. No normal routines. Juggling work and kids, exhaustion and attempts at recovery.
Programming note: we just opened registration for our spring Navigating Neurodiversity Circles with weekday and weekend options! Learn more here.
When the second round of school closures for the week was announced on Tuesday, I received more than a handful of texts filled with screen shots of the “code red” announcement followed by expletives. Not because it’s a bad call (the ice out there is insane!) but because snow days are the perfect combination of horror for parents: high standards and no support.
We’re supposed to continue to excel at work but have no childcare.
There’s pressure to make “magical moments” in the snow with kids who turn around two minutes after going outside because it is 9 degrees and sleeting.
And it is definitely not okay lose our patience. Despite having no routines, help, or time for ourselves.
Not to mention that to simply stay informed, we are exposed to immense tragedies every day. We are holding these in our hearts and in our bodies.
It really feels like too much.
This week in Motherhood: Redefined, we’re sharing one word to check in — so far these have included “defeated” and “trapped” and also “settling” and “hopeful.” In the program, we look at cultural expectations around motherhood and examine how many of them are actually making it harder to be the kind of parents we want to be. We share stories of doing things differently, learn to meet ourselves with compassion, and support each other in making choices that improve our own wellbeing [Want in? Our spring cohorts start next week and there are just a few spaces left! Register here].
This is when it comes into practice. When a snow day or a sick day (or both!) hit, we’re not feeling only overwhelmed and guilty. We consider our own resources and how to actually ask for help.
Here’s an idea: If the pressure of having to do everything on your own didn’t exist, what could a snow day or a sick day look like?
Here’s how some of the moms in our cohorts are leaning on community to get through the winter of sickness, storms, and more:
Taking turns watching kids and shoveling sidewalks
Setting up a video call with grandparents in another city to entertain a sick toddler
Potlucking dinner and sharing in kid chaos during a snowstorm
Having a friend drop off ginger ale and saltines
Hiring a high schooler who’s also home from school to play with the baby
Saying YES to a family who offers to take your kid sledding
None of these might be particularly revolutionary, but these little things do add up. Anything we can take off of our own plate — physically, mentally, or emotionally — gives us a little more space.
So as we continue to navigate all of the unpredictable and disruptive things that come our way, especially in this winter season, consider what it could be like to have more support. Yes, you have to go against cultural norms of “doing it all.” You have to remember that rest is a right, not a reward.
Here’s a quick exercise: close your eyes and imagine what it would be like if someone were available to help you right now. What would they do? What burden could they lift from your shoulders?
Maybe there’s a way to make that happen. A small (or big) ask of a neighbor or a friend.
If you want to go deeper into unraveling cultural conditioning with a community of like-minded mothers, we’d love to have you in Motherhood Redefined starting next week. For dads, stay tuned for future sessions of Fatherhood as Path to build community and dive deeper into your parenthood identity.
Wishing you all warmth and support as we continue to navigate this season!
Here’s whats coming up:
We know you feel overwhelmed. No matter how much you do, it doesn’t feel like enough. You and your burnout are invisible to the world, where there’s too much judgement and not enough connection. Let’s change that. In this community we value interdependence over independence. Join us to redefine motherhood for yourself and your family in a welcoming and inclusive space. We will be real, creative, and messy as we gather to explore what motherhood means to us.
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Learn more - Motherhood: Redefined
Our Pregnancy Circle is full of support and sharing, guidance around preparing for birth and postpartum, self-inquiry practices and journaling pages for deeper reflection, and more. This circle will offer consistent, experienced support during time of uncertainty and constant change.
New Mamas Circles and our special Mamas Circle for newly 2nd & 3rd time moms start throughout the year. In these open, supportive communities for moms and pre-crawling babies, we talk about changing identities, relationships, and how to get through the day (and night) with little ones. A place to know you’re not in this alone.
Learn More - Newly 2nd/3rd Time Moms
The Navigating Neurodiversity Circle is for parents with one or more neurodivergent children (e.g., autistic, ADHD, learning differences, sensory processing challenges, etc.). Wherever your family is on its neurodivergence journey—questioning, mid-assessment, self-identifying, or formally diagnosed—you are welcome. Small by design (no more than 5 participants plus facilitator), this Circle will enable participants to connect deeply with other neurodiverse families, building a strong foundation for mutual support and empowerment.
Learn about Navigating Neurodiversity
Baby and Me Yoga combines postpartum strength-building exercises and breath-based relaxation for adults as well as gentle movement for babies. In this one-hour class, you’ll get the chance to bond with your baby, move, stretch, build strength, and connect with fellow new parents. Mothers, fathers, caregivers, and babies all welcome. Classes are designed for babies 6 weeks to pre-crawling. Postpartum parents are welcome to attend without their babies.
We offer all of our circles and groups on a sliding scale, and have a robust scholarship program. If you’d like to attend and have financial constraints, please reach out and we’ll find a way. We also accept contributions to our scholarship program here.
If this community has supported you, we’d so appreciate you sharing upcoming circles to your friends and neighbors and leaving a review on Google or Yelp.
Have another idea for a community you’d like to be a part of? Let us know what you’d like to see on our circle interest form, reply if you received this as an email, or leave a comment below.
Interested in one-on-one support? We have a few spaces open in Elizabeth’s Coaching Program and Pregnancy & Birth Coaching with Michelle.
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