Navigating grad school or a full time job with a newborn

Celeste G.

I was working on first a Masters, and then a Doctorate in mathematics when my first two daughters were born. Then when I got my first full time job, I gave birth to my son shortly afterwards. I only took a week to recover from labor with each of my daughters so that I didn’t get behind on my grad school classes. I also wasn’t willing to sacrifice my ability to breastfeed my little ones, so I either met up with my husband in between classes to feed my babies, or I learned to pump while at work. I understand the exhaustion that comes with having newborns and still working hard every day. Because of sleepless nights getting up to take care of a crying child, I fell asleep in class a few times, but I learned to lean on other people to help support me through this difficult time. I also learned a lot of tricks for working with a baby in my arms or in a seat nearby. My kids are all older now, my youngest is 5 years old, but I have a thriving career.

Starting over as a mother overcoming drug and alcohol addiction

Caitlyn P.

My journey has been filled with deep challenges and profound transformation. I started experimenting with drugs at 13, but it wasn’t until I lost my baby to a violent assault at 24 that I spiraled into heavy drug and alcohol use. For three years, my addiction controlled my life, and my two children ended up with my mom. She was the one who helped me see that I needed help and supported me through my rehab stays. It took me four attempts, but I’ve now been sober for six years. Along this path, I’ve navigated homelessness, postpartum psychosis, and trauma from domestic violence and childhood CPTSD. Through all of this, I’ve learned the power of resilience, healthy communication, and collaboration, especially as I co-parent with two wonderful individuals. I’m passionate about supporting others in recovery, and I now work full-time in the field, serving as a sponsor and guiding others through their own healing. As a non-binary parent of six, I’ve faced the challenges of single parenting, child loss, co-parenting, and raising children with special needs, but every step of the way has taught me the importance of fostering love, understanding, and resilience.

Navigating challenges with parenting a teenager

Daniel M.

Parenting a teenager has definitely been an experience filled with challenges. My 13-year-old has faced a variety of emotional struggles, from difficulties with school to navigating their own identity and personal struggles. As a parent, I’ve had to learn how to balance being supportive while also setting boundaries. On top of that, I’ve personally struggled with anxiety and depression, which at times has made it harder to connect and understand what my teen is going through. As a therapist with over 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with over a thousand teenagers, many of whom have dealt with addiction, school issues, and the pressures of growing up. In one instance, a mother reached out to me about her daughter who wasn’t engaging with therapy or any emotional support. We talked through her options and, ultimately, I helped her find a way to stay consistent with boundaries while remaining understanding of her daughter’s perspective. The daughter was resistant at first, but with ongoing support, she eventually started engaging in the program.

Balancing parenthood and a professional career

Kristi G.

Becoming a parent later in life brought both joys and challenges I hadn’t expected. While some parenting experiences feel universal, I’ve learned that others — like balancing parenthood with a professional life or navigating the world as a parent of color — can be deeply unique. I’ve also found that parenting isn’t just about raising children, but about learning how to show up in different spaces, including among other parents, at schools, and in communities that don’t always reflect my own experiences. Along the way, I’ve thought a lot about how to advocate for my child, connect with the right support services, and step into leadership roles where needed. My journey has taught me that parenthood is about more than just surviving the day-to-day — it’s about building belonging for both yourself and your child.

Navigating the challenges of finding the right childcare fit for your family

Lisa B.

As a mother of four, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of figuring out what type of childcare works best at each stage of my children’s lives. From infant care to toddler transitions to school-aged kids, every stage brings its own challenges and decisions. I’ve had to try different childcare arrangements—whether it was daycare, nannies, or Au Pairs—and each time, it felt like starting from scratch. There were moments of frustration, where I wondered if I’d ever find a balance between what my family needed and what was available. What I’ve learned along the way is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every family is unique, and what works for one may not be the right fit for another. But with each experience, I’ve come to understand how important it is to stay true to your family’s values, needs, and priorities. I’ve found that the key is staying open to different options and being willing to adjust as your children grow and their needs evolve. At the end of the day, finding the right childcare is about more than just convenience—it’s about ensuring your children are in a supportive, nurturing environment where they can thrive, and where your family can feel at ease knowing they’re in good hands. I’ve had to make a lot of tough decisions, but through it all, I’ve learned to trust that the right fit will come with time, patience, and a willingness to be flexible.