-
“That Shouldn’t Bother Me”—But It Does: Valid Triggers in Motherhood
There are days when a whine from the other room sends my whole body into fight-or-flight. When the crying won’t stop and I feel like I might shatter. When a simple comment – “You should enjoy this time” – feels like a slap in the face. And what follows next? Guilt. Why am I so reactive? Shouldn’t I be able to handle this by now? If this sounds familiar, I want you to know something: You’re not broken. You’re not overreacting. You’re just human. And your triggers in motherhood? They’re valid. Let’s Be Honest About What Triggers Us Before I became a mom, I thought love would be enough. That…
-
Why Trauma-Informed Parenting Matters More Than Ever
I used to think my son was just being “difficult.” The tantrums, the meltdowns, the refusal to do even the smallest things—it felt like defiance. And honestly? It pushed every button I had. But then one day, something shifted. It hit me—he wasn’t trying to be bad. He was overwhelmed. Dysregulated. His tiny nervous system was asking for help the only way it knew how. That moment cracked something open in me. Since then, my whole approach to parenting has changed. I’m learning to see behavior as communication—not just from my kids, but from myself too. And as a mom currently studying social work, I’ve been diving deep into the…
-
Life Lately: When You’re Tired in Your Bones But Still Showing Up
Some days, I’m not just tired – I’m tired in my bones. The kind of tired that doesn’t go away with sleep. The kind that’s wrapped up in mental load and overstimulation and wondering if I’m doing enough, being enough, loving well enough. Life lately has been…full. Beautiful, for the most part, yes. But also heavy. Loud. Messy. Three kids. Social work school. Trying to grow GentlyJenn again. Dishes. Diapers. Papers to write. Snacks to cut into very specific shapes or risk a meltdown. There are moments I look around and think – How am I still standing? And the answer is: I’m not always. Sometimes I’m slumped on the…
-
Celebrate Your Wins: You’re Doing More Than Just Surviving
Life has a funny way of piling it all on at once, doesn’t it? Between juggling responsibilities, healing from old wounds, showing up for the people we love, and just trying to keep our heads above water, it’s easy to lose sight of something really important: how far we’ve come. Recently, a friend suggested I write this post. They reminded me that I’ve been through a lot this past year – not just the hard stuff, but the growth, the accomplishments, the moments of quiet strength. Sometimes, we need someone on the outside to point out what we’re too busy or too humble to notice ourselves. So here I am,…
-
From Sweet Tooth to Coffee Curious: My Espresso Era (Thanks, Kids)
It all started with a white hot chocolate. Sweet, creamy, basically dessert in a cup – which, as a sleep-deprived mom of three under five, was exactly what I needed. I wasn’t a coffee person. The smell? Meh. The taste? Too bitter. The vibe? So tempting…but I stayed firmly in hot cocoa territory. Then one day – mid-toddler meltdown, probably – I asked for a white hot chocolate with a shot of espresso. Just one. A little kick to keep me vertical during snack prep and sibling squabbles. And just like that, I was hooked. That single shot changed everything. Suddenly, the bitterness wasn’t offensive – it was balance. Depth.…
-
Chaos, Cuddles, and Comedy: Life with Three Kids Under Five
Let me set the scene: The sun is rising (I think? Honestly, I haven’t checked the clock yet), and already someone is screaming. Not out of pain, no – this scream is the universal language of “SHE TOUCHED MY TOY AND BREATHE-WHISPERED IN MY DIRECTION.” Welcome to my home, where I live with three tiny roommates under the age of five, all born within 2.5 years of each other. It’s like running a daycare, except the daycare workers never go home, and no one brings snacks unless you count the chip crumbs they find in couch cushions. These kids fight like it’s their job. One minute, they’re in a full-blown…