Perfection Pending

By Meredith Ethington

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Humor Parenting Parenting Tips Practical Tips

What To Pack In Your Carry On For A Flight: Moms VS. Kids

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This post is sponsored by Dramamine®. See my full privacy and disclosures here.

I’m headed to Orlando later this month for the awesome BlogHer blog conference. It’s my first time going, and I’m so excited I can’t adequately verbalize how often I’ve looked at the calendar to count down the days to that fun weekend. Part of my excitement, of course, is the fact that it will be three kid-free days all to myself. As I am getting my travel list ready, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself about how much easier it is to pack when your kids aren’t coming with you. (Besides stressing about what to wear!)

But, since I like to give real-mom advice on my blog, I thought I’d share a little packing list for your carry-on: moms vs. kids style. Because, although it’s fun to travel as a family, there is at least five times the stuff when the kids come with you, and that’s just in your carry-on. And, when my kids are packing, it can sometimes get a little ridiculous and FUNNY.

Carry-On for Mom (When Traveling Without Her Kids)

An extra large tote

Peace, Quiet, and Sanity

Granola Bar & Chocolate

Phone, Laptop, Portable Charger & Headphones

Light Sweater & Sunglasses

Essential Toiletries. Mine are: Tissues, chapstick, hand sanitizing wipes, and lotion

Something to read and/or a planner and pen

Last but definitely NOT least, my Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals

Ever since I had a really bad landing incident on a plane, where the pilot tried to land three times in crosswinds, and I was for sure going to lose my lunch, I don’t travel without my Dramamine®. By the end of that flight, I was green and just ready to get off that plane as soon as possible I wish I had thought to take some Dramamine® beforehand. So that’s one reason why Dramamine® is on my must pack list for my carry on for my flight to BlogHer. And, I love the Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals. Here’s why:

1      Dramamine® is America’s number one over-the-counter brand for the treatment and prevention of motion sickness.

2      Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals is the first non-drowsy solution for motion sickness from Dramamine®, the leading brand for motion sickness.

3      One dose contains the full clinically-tested ginger dosage for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness. Since it’s made from natural ginger, Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals is safe to use every day you travel.

4      Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals should be taken 30 minutes before starting an activity or at the onset of symptoms to help prevent or relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.

 

Carry-On Bag for Kids

(Not All Items They Will Pack Are Pictured Because That Would Be Impossible)

Kid Backpack that will be stuffed full of as much stuff as you will allow

Tablet & Headphones

Something to Color and Color With

Band-Aids (Kids will injure themselves and/or they just like band-aids)

25 Matchbox cars

Spy gear

Tiny toys (like rubber dinosaurs) that will get lost

Pokemon Cards

Something to snuggle

Something to read

More snacks than can be pictured in this photo

One thousand random items that they just can’t live without for a weekend

Dramamine® for Kids (because no one wants a kid throwing up on a plane)

Isn’t it so true? My kids always love to be prepared (hence the band-aids) and also bring very random non-necessary stuff like spy gear. Honestly, sometimes it’s fun to see what they are going to bring.

But, regardless of if you are traveling with your kids or alone, Dramamine® is always on the packing list. And I’ve got a coupon for you to try out Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals for yourself!

Twitter: @dramamine Facebook: @dramamineescape Instagram:  @dramaminebrand

What is in YOUR carry-on when you travel alone? And what’s something hilarious your kids have tried to take on an airplane carry-on? Leave a comment below for a chance to win a gift card!

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from SheKnows via the sweeps@sheknows.com email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

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111 Comments

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Comments

  1. Natalie says

    June 12, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    When I travel alone I bring my laptop, cell phone, chargers, mp3 player, snacks, a book, snacks, gum, jacket and a drink. I don’t have kids but my niece once brings a stuffed animal whenever she travels.

    Reply
  2. Natalie says

    June 12, 2017 at 12:29 pm

    tweet – https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/874330626203283456

    Reply
  3. shelly peterson says

    June 12, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    I like to have a light weight coat, snacks gum. lotion and chap stick in a carry on. I have never traveled on a plane with my kids.
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

    Reply
  4. shelly peterson says

    June 12, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    tweeted https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/874361248518815748
    cshell090869 at aol dot com

    Reply
  5. Ali says

    June 12, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    HAHA! I love this! When my kids were a little younger I always had to check their bag last minute to see what funny random things they slipped in there to lug around for a week. As for me, I like to bring a good book, a water bottle, a healthy, non-nauseating snack, my phone (of course) and my own peace of mind.

    Reply
  6. Cheryl B says

    June 12, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    I must have a good book while on a plane. My Granddaughter,recently tried to take her pet frog with us on a plane.

    Reply
  7. Cheryl B says

    June 12, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    Tweeted https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/874395061810860032

    Reply
  8. James Robert says

    June 12, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    I have not traveled with my kids on an airplane but when I travel alone I need my cellphone, an energy drink and my cigarettes.

    Reply
  9. James Robert says

    June 12, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    https://twitter.com/mijames82/status/874409116701257728

    Reply
  10. Kelly D says

    June 12, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    I usually bring magazines, snacks and maybe my ipod. My kids have not been on a plane yet.

    Reply
  11. Kelly D says

    June 12, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/874438358021402624

    Reply
  12. Steve Weber says

    June 12, 2017 at 10:14 pm

    My carry on is usually my laptop bag.
    no kids.

    Reply
  13. Steve Weber says

    June 12, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    tweet – https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/874480195121672193

    Reply
  14. Lisa Brown says

    June 13, 2017 at 5:03 am

    I carry a few books and snacks, mostly.

    Reply
  15. Lisa Brown says

    June 13, 2017 at 5:03 am

    tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/874582948464349184

    Reply
  16. Julie Wood says

    June 13, 2017 at 6:44 am

    I need to have my magazines, plenty of water to stay hydrated, gum, and headphones and music. My son tried to take his pet rat on a plane once!

    Reply
  17. Julie Wood says

    June 13, 2017 at 6:44 am

    tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/874608358606594048

    Reply
  18. mami2jcn says

    June 13, 2017 at 8:44 am

    When I travel on an airplane, I bring gum with me to pop my ears.

    Reply
  19. mami2jcn says

    June 13, 2017 at 8:46 am

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/874638967265779714

    Reply
  20. Elena says

    June 13, 2017 at 9:18 am

    when I travel alone I bring Kindle and chocolate. My son once brought his teddy bear in his carry on

    Reply
  21. Elena says

    June 13, 2017 at 9:21 am

    https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/874647451159863296

    Reply
  22. madonna says

    June 13, 2017 at 9:57 am

    I have never flown so I have no idea what I might take as carry on luggage.

    Reply
  23. madonna says

    June 13, 2017 at 9:57 am

    link to tweet
    https://twitter.com/avrilsgranny/status/874656717174439936

    Reply
  24. Will G says

    June 13, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I usually have my clothes and laptop in my carry on.

    Reply
  25. Will G says

    June 13, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/874721346672046080

    Reply
  26. heather says

    June 13, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    I always have hand wipes in my carry on bag. One funny thing the kids tried to take was the cat but we saved it before we left the house.

    Reply
  27. heather says

    June 13, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    my tweet – https://twitter.com/myway070/status/874722154763304960

    Reply
  28. Jessica To says

    June 13, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    I like to keep a book or magazine, snacks and wipes in my bag. My son hasn’t flown yet.

    Reply
  29. OFG says

    June 14, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/874351531377733632

    Reply
  30. OFG says

    June 14, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    I always pack Tylenol for myself. My kids haven’t tried to sneak anything interesting on yet.

    Reply
  31. Gina M says

    June 16, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/875848406387871744

    Reply
  32. Gina M says

    June 16, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    I have taken Dramamine before to help with motion sickness. I also try a fizzy drink, closing my eyes, and concentrating on something in the distance.

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  33. Madeline says

    June 16, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    My child hasn’t ever flown with us. I like to pack something to read and snacks.

    Reply
  34. Madeline says

    June 16, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/875856393076715520

    Reply
  35. Margaret Smith says

    June 16, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    Usually water, gum, lip gloss and a book. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  36. Margaret Smith says

    June 16, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/875877020953186304 Thanks again.

    Reply
  37. Rachel says

    June 16, 2017 at 8:56 pm

    I always pack hand sanitizer, tissues, a neck pillow, Tylenol and a book in my carry on bag. I’ve never had my kids sneak anything into my luggage yet.

    Reply
  38. Rachel says

    June 16, 2017 at 8:58 pm

    https://twitter.com/RachelGriesmer/status/875910317443821569

    Reply
  39. Jessie C. says

    June 16, 2017 at 9:51 pm

    I have cashmere wrap, travel pillow and Advil in my carry-on when I travel alone. My kids have tried to take their fish tank on an airplane carry-on.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  40. Jessie C. says

    June 16, 2017 at 9:51 pm

    tweet – https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/875922932245045250

    Reply
  41. latanya says

    June 17, 2017 at 9:18 am

    I have not traveled with kids, but for myself, i make sure to have my phone charger

    Reply
  42. latanya says

    June 17, 2017 at 9:19 am

    https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/876096999078211585

    Reply
  43. Jen says

    June 18, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    I have to have my lip balm, magazines, and Nintendo 3DS when I travel. I haven’t taken my daughter on a flight yet, but I’m sure it will be an adventure when I do.

    Reply
  44. Susan Smith says

    June 18, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    When I travel alone I bring my laptop, cell phone, chargers, a book, snacks, water and gum. On one trip our daughter tried to bring our dog with her.

    Reply
  45. Susan Smith says

    June 18, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/876588531963056128

    Reply
  46. Amy Tong says

    June 19, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    I always carry a scarf when I travel. My kids? They once tried to pack the whole library into the carry on luggage! 😀

    amy [at] uTry [dot] it

    Reply
  47. Amy Tong says

    June 19, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/876929892167720960

    amy [at] uTry [dot] it

    Reply
  48. Denise L says

    June 20, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I always have water, a book, and some lip balm. My son has only flown twice. All he really wanted to bring was the iPad!

    Reply
  49. Denise L says

    June 20, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    tweeted- https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/877241190936195074

    Reply
  50. Mita says

    June 20, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    I carry a few books and gums

    Reply
  51. Mita says

    June 20, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    https://twitter.com/mitajdav/status/877243996501925888

    Reply
  52. rachel says

    June 21, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    A snack, a book and a cardigan! My daughter loves all her big stuffed animals so I have to restrain her!

    Reply
  53. Leela says

    June 24, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    A few packets of gum.
    Nothing too weird, just candy and plushies.

    Reply
  54. Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says

    June 26, 2017 at 9:07 am

    Honestly all I need is a book and water bottle. My favorite thing my kids take in their carry-ons is when they were little and used to pack toys they wanted to play with AT DISNEYWORLD. Years and years they would pack toys that they never, ever played with because they were at DISNEYWORLD.

    Reply
  55. Cynthia C says

    July 2, 2017 at 7:33 am

    I made the mistake of letting my son do his own packing for an out-of-town wedding. When we got there he had lots of music and video games and very few clothes. My fault. I should have checked!

    Reply
  56. Cynthia C says

    July 2, 2017 at 7:35 am

    Tweet
    https://twitter.com/clc408/status/881506163912822786

    Reply
  57. Vincent says

    July 2, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    In my carry on I take snacks, ipad, headphones, and my phone.

    Reply
  58. Vincent says

    July 2, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/881669682067001344

    Reply
  59. Erika says

    July 5, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    I like to bring reading material, and I pack my kids a lot of books as well. I always need Dramamine when I travel!

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  60. Lisa says

    July 12, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    When I travel alone I make sure to have my eyeglasses. water, snacks, handiwipes, tissues, ibuprofen for headaches, and a couple of magazines or a book in my carry-on bag. Depending on where I’m going, I may also take a change of clothes with me in my carry-on bag. I don’t have kids, so I don’t have any funny stories about what the kids tried to bring in an airplane carry-on. I tend to over pack, so if I had kids, I imagine they’d probably try to bring all kinds of unnecessary stuff.

    Reply
  61. CR Williams says

    July 21, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    When I travel alone, snacks, phone, makeup. I have never traveled with my child before.

    Reply
  62. CR Williams says

    July 21, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/888549143714578434

    Reply
  63. Jeffrey says

    July 22, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    My kids have only flown once, they both took their favorite stuffed animals. When I travel by air my carry on always has a couple of magazines and water.

    Reply
  64. Jeffrey says

    July 22, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/888855053376868354.

    Reply
  65. Dawn S says

    July 23, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    Mine involves lots of snacks because I have an irrational fear of running out of food 😉 and my children like to pack me dinosaurs.

    Reply
  66. Dawn S says

    July 23, 2017 at 4:27 pm

    tweeted for a second entry
    https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/889250575547850753

    Reply
  67. Madonna says

    July 24, 2017 at 7:22 am

    I am afraid of heights so I have never flown

    Reply
  68. Madonna says

    July 24, 2017 at 7:23 am

    link to tweet
    https://twitter.com/avrilsgranny/status/889475947325468672

    Reply
  69. Francine Anchondo says

    July 28, 2017 at 9:19 pm

    I bring books and puzzle mags.

    Reply
  70. Francine Anchondo says

    July 28, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    https://twitter.com/fmd518/status/891136394885820417

    Reply
  71. Heather S says

    July 29, 2017 at 10:28 am

    My book is ALWAYS in my carry-on when I travel alone. My kiddo tried to bring his metal play knife in his bag when he was five. Needless to say it got confiscated! HA 🙂

    Reply
  72. Heather S says

    July 29, 2017 at 10:28 am

    Tweet
    https://twitter.com/bohofoxbabe/status/891334142851301376

    Reply
  73. kjasus says

    August 1, 2017 at 6:41 am

    if i travel alone i have a book with me

    Reply
  74. kjasus says

    August 1, 2017 at 6:44 am

    https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/892364776982151168

    Reply
  75. Elle says

    August 14, 2017 at 11:08 am

    I have not flown in a while but when I have, I made sure to take basics like tissues, gum, snacks, tablet, headphones and a magazine and/or book.

    Reply
  76. Elle says

    August 14, 2017 at 11:15 am

    Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/897144605447213060

    Reply
  77. Chrissy says

    August 15, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    When I travel alone (which is amazingly relaxing I realize now that I have kids) my must have item is my kindle with a bunch of new books on it. As my mom always says, as long as you are travelling to a populated area you can always buy a new toothbrush. But buying a good book that I’m looking forward to reading alone is much harder to do! My daughter has only flown once and was too little to try taking anything weird on the plane but give me 3 more years and I’m sure I’ll have some hilarious stories!

    Reply
  78. Chrissy says

    August 15, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    My tweet! https://twitter.com/krisgan07/status/897634597617512450

    Reply
  79. Emily N. says

    August 24, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    I carry-on snack bars, lip balm, hand sanitizer, books, phone and earbuds. I don’t travel with any kids.

    Reply
  80. Emily N. says

    August 24, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    https://twitter.com/prizepuzzle/status/900882283007225856

    Reply
  81. Rebecca W says

    August 25, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    I always take my own snacks for my kids since buying things in the airport can get expensive. I also carry my own water bottle and fill it up once we get through security.

    Reply
  82. Rebecca W says

    August 25, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/901177923281063936

    Reply
  83. Stephanie Phelps says

    August 26, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    I have never been on a plane but my husband travels for work and he always takes his dramamine with him!

    Reply
  84. Stephanie Phelps says

    August 26, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/901610264566554624

    Reply
  85. Kerry says

    August 30, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    I carry on snacks and a good book!

    Reply
  86. Seyma Shabbir says

    September 2, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    My carry on is insulin, test kit, good books on my iphone. The craziest things my sons tried to bring was the xbox remote.

    Reply
  87. Seyma Shabbir says

    September 2, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/904045368136126464

    Reply
  88. Kathy Persons says

    September 6, 2017 at 7:08 am

    I aways have a good book my tablet and some handwork to do

    Reply
  89. Kathy Persons says

    September 6, 2017 at 7:09 am

    https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/905417458776989696

    Reply
  90. Ellie Wright says

    September 6, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    Meds, tablet, reading glasses and books are in my carry on.

    Reply
  91. Ellie Wright says

    September 6, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/905528904546471936

    Reply
  92. Kerry says

    September 7, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/905956975107862528

    Reply
  93. Susan Christy says

    September 9, 2017 at 9:58 am

    My carry-on always has a book and snacks.

    Reply
  94. sarah k says

    September 9, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    I would definitely bring my Kindle Fire in my carry-on bag.

    Reply
  95. sarah k says

    September 9, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/sarabird26/status/906636794585911301

    Reply
  96. Thomas Murphy says

    September 10, 2017 at 11:42 am

    My laptop is in my carry on.

    Reply
  97. Thomas Murphy says

    September 10, 2017 at 11:43 am

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/906936071405088768

    Reply
  98. Barbara Montag says

    September 10, 2017 at 11:50 am

    When I am traveling alone I always have medication, cleansers and moisturizers and my iPad Mini in my carry on.
    thank you

    Reply
  99. Barbara Montag says

    September 10, 2017 at 11:52 am

    Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/906938268046036992

    Reply
  100. Bert Ruiz says

    September 10, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    It’s been a long while since my last trip alone but I would carry my Bible, phone, headphones, water and gum in my carry on. – Sweepstakes entry

    Reply
  101. Bert Ruiz says

    September 10, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    tweet entry – https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/907074269296852992

    Reply
  102. Betty Curran says

    September 12, 2017 at 12:03 am

    When I travel alone I bring my cell phone, laptop, Kindle and camera. I also bring a change or two of clothing in case my luggage is lost.

    Reply
  103. Betty Curran says

    September 12, 2017 at 12:04 am

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/907485007463186432

    Reply
  104. Sarah L says

    September 12, 2017 at 1:10 am

    I take a bottle of lavender essential oil with me when I travel. I don’t have a problem with motion sickness so I’ve never tried Dramamine. No kids.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply
  105. Sarah L says

    September 12, 2017 at 1:11 am

    https://twitter.com/slehan/status/907501876307943424

    Reply
  106. Tina W says

    September 12, 2017 at 4:19 am

    I tend to travel light: a magazine (usually the New Yorker), a big box of Hot Tamales and a refillable water bottle.

    Reply
  107. Tina W says

    September 12, 2017 at 4:20 am

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/907549420060794880

    Reply
  108. Jerry Marquardt says

    September 12, 2017 at 10:55 am

    My carry on these days is to have some snacks, as they usually do not have any meal on the plane.

    Reply
  109. Jerry Marquardt says

    September 12, 2017 at 10:58 am

    I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/907649174639955969

    Reply
  110. LAMusing says

    September 12, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    I always carry 2 days medications, lip balm,and extra pair of reading glasses, a tee shirt (in case luggage is lost I have a clean top) & a book.

    Reply
  111. LAMusing says

    September 12, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    tweeted – https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/907755080312528896

    Reply

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Welcome! I’m Meredith.

Mom. Writer. Diet Coke connoisseur. Born and raised Texan. Lover of real talk and laughter with a hint of sarcasm mixed in.

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Meredith Ethington

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Sure, you can commiserate with a fellow parent about teenagers being the worst.

But, to be honest - they’re not the worst. They’re kind of amazing. But their problems make me tired to my core." 

Read the latest on my substack. I promise you'll relate. ❤️
So sweet. ❤️ Follow me @perfectpending and bet So sweet. ❤️
Follow me @perfectpending and better yet buy my book or subscribe to my substack to support me.
"I don’t know about you, but I don’t really wa "I don’t know about you, but I don’t really want same-ness anymore. I want messy. I want admissions that shit is hard and we don’t have it all together. I want to have a makeup free, messy bun in my sweats run in with a mom friend and not feel worried she’s checking out my un-groomed eyebrows.

I don’t want to try to give off this illusion that I’m control of my life any better than the next person. It’s a shitshow for all of us, and we continue to hide it for fear of what? Being human?"

Read the rest on my Substack. Link in profile.
WHAT IF THIS IS THE HAPPIEST I’LL EVER BE AND I WHAT IF THIS IS THE HAPPIEST I’LL EVER BE AND I MISS IT? What if I miss the best time of my life. What if it’s right this second?
What if it’s right now while I’m in finals week of grad school, and have a kid that’s sick? 
I already miss so much. The gummy smiles of babes without any teeth. The squeaky voices of 2 year olds. The babbling of a baby that’s just trying so hard to say mama. The grammar mistakes my kids make when they’re talking that I don’t have the heart to correct because I love it too much. 

I miss a lot about those younger years that have already slipped away. My youngest is sick, much like in this picture, but he is too big to snuggle in my arms now when he’s running a fever. 

Today I had the thought, what if this is it? What if this IS the happiest I’ll ever be?
For a moment, I lingered in that thought as I stood over my sink and did the dishes. I started to cry.
Am I missing it? AM I? I felt a tug that maybe I was. Maybe I wasn’t relishing enough, and enjoying enough, and being present enough.
But, then I realized, it will never be ENOUGH. 

Read the rest in my substack ❤️
New year, same me. 😂 #mentalhealth #anxiety #de New year, same me. 😂
#mentalhealth #anxiety #depression
"I don't care" as I literally care about every sin "I don't care" as I literally care about every single thing.
I’ve got to admit - I’m kind of over all of th I’ve got to admit - I’m kind of over all of this. *sweeps arm generally at planet earth*

Look, I’ve never been a half glass full kind of gal. I can ALWAYS find the negative in every situation. 

But, right now it’s easy to say that I’m over it. It being.....

The state of our economy. Social media. People being unemployed. People being racist and homophobic. The debate over politics. People judging people. ALLLLLL of it. 

Everything is crap right now. We joke about it a lot. We have to in order to survive. 

It’s the one millionth day of January but Spring feels so far away. 

I’m over these four damn walls that we call home. 

Yeah, I know. Even as I’m typing this it all sounds like a bunch of ungrateful whiney BS. I hear it. I don’t need you to point it out, Karen. 

But, my guess is you’re reading this right now and realizing you’re over it too. Whatever “it” is in your life.

Some days the world feels like total crap. Everything is a mess. Everything costs too much. For E-V-E-R-Y-B-O-D-Y. 

Yes, even for you Karen. ➡️➡️ to keep reading.
Yes. Boundaries are healthy and good. And they mea Yes. Boundaries are healthy and good. And they mean someone loves you that much to communicate them! Love this wisdom from @wittyidiot
NEW POST ----> "This is not a post about loss of a NEW POST ----> "This is not a post about loss of a loved one. Or loss of a child. Those things are real, and they’re heart wrenching. And, this post is certainly not to compare that loss with the one I’m going to talk about.

But, the loss of yourself in motherhood is real. And It’s not talked about enough." 

Do you feel like you lost yourself in motherhood? How? I really want to know. 

Psss - I am in grad school to become a therapist, and am not ashamed to ask that you subscribe to my paid substack. I just lowered the cost to $36/year! That's like $4/month and you'll have access to all my previous posts, and some new weekly short posts to give you ideas to help with balancing motherhood and your own mental health. I'm learning a lot in school, and will only continue to do so, so subscribe and we'll support each other. ❤️
This memory made me laugh this morning. 🤣 This memory made me laugh this morning. 🤣
Saaaame. @womenwhorunwiththemoon Saaaame. @womenwhorunwiththemoon
I’m sorry are you really wearing doc martens and I’m sorry are you really wearing doc martens and a dress with spaghetti straps and a Tshirt under it while you’re telling me I’m doing it wrong? 🤣 Life is wild. Teenagers are fun.
Found in my pediatricians office. 🤣 What’s th Found in my pediatricians office. 🤣 What’s the moral of the story friends? If you think your household is always sick - it’s because they probably are. Kids make everything more germ-y
Here’s what I do know 👇 No one knows what th Here’s what I do know 👇

No one knows what they’re doing. 
We all feel like imposters. 
Our kids love us anyway. 
We’re all going to be OK. 
You’ve got this (as much as any of us do) 😘

#momspiration #momlife #funnymoms #memtalhealth #parentinglife #parentingquotes
"By trying to be perfect, we're actually trying to "By trying to be perfect, we're actually trying to avoid being human." 

Do you struggle with perfectionism? Parenthood has helped me quite a bit, but It's something I've battled my whole life. I still struggle occasionally, although it's gotten better. But, let's stop trying to avoid being human and instead embrace ourselves an in turn embrace the entire human race. ❤️ I'd love to hear how you embrace being imperfect. 

#perfecționism #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #anxiety #imperfect #perfectpending #themotherload #thementalload
Mood. Mood.
Some of you wanted sources on my last reel where I Some of you wanted sources on my last reel where I said we only need to be getting it right 30% of the time for our kids to have secure attachments. Well I wrote a bit more about the concept of being the “good enough mother” a term coined in the 50’s by a researcher and pediatrician. Check it all out in my newest post. Link in profile.
It’s true! Researchers have found that as long a It’s true! Researchers have found that as long as you’re doing the repair after mistakes the other times - then 30% is enough! Sometimes I worry I’m not doing it right but I definitely know I’m doing it right 30% of the time! 
Probably a whole lot more to be honest. I bet you are too. #momlife #encouragement #momspiration
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