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Embracing the “Ber” Months: Holiday Stress Support for Moms
Navigating the Busy Season The moment the “ber” months roll in, life seems to speed up. Suddenly, our lists get longer, our calendars fill faster, and our to-dos multiply overnight. Don't get me wrong; I get giddy with excitement for all the fun to come. But it can feel like a lot. By October, the weight really starts to pile on—at least for me. There are birthday parties to plan, Halloween costumes to pull together, school photos and permission slips to remember, online orde
Carly Murillo
Oct 1, 20254 min read


Navigating Collective Grief: Finding Light in the Darkness
Lately, the heaviness in the world feels impossible to ignore. From devastating natural disasters to school shootings and tragic assassinations—our hearts ache for those who have lost children, parents, friends, or entire communities. Even if the loss is not your own, you may find yourself grieving deeply for others. This kind of collective grief —the shared sorrow we experience when tragedy touches humanity—can feel just as disorienting as personal grief. It reminds us of ho
Carly Murillo
Sep 14, 20254 min read


Navigating School Refusal: A Guide for Moms in Illinois
The start of the school year can feel like a rollercoaster for parents. Just when it seems like your kids are settling in with their new teacher, classmates, and routine—Monday morning shows up. Suddenly, your child is melting down, clinging to you at the door, or flat-out refusing to go at the breakfast table. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many kids of all ages struggle with school refusal—especially after weekends, holiday breaks, or even just a fun family day.
Carly Murillo
Sep 7, 20254 min read


Navigating Grief in Motherhood: A Journey of Healing
I lost my brother at the tender age of 12. Honestly, I am surprised by how deeply this loss continues to touch my life, my children’s lives, and my role as a mother in ways I never could have imagined. My girls never had the chance to meet my brother. Yet, as they’ve grown older, his absence has found its way into our lives at random moments. My eldest daughter frequently dreams of him and other lost loved ones. These dreams spark conversations about what they were like. The
Carly Murillo
Aug 21, 20254 min read


When You Can’t Be There for the First Day of School: Letting Go of That Nagging Mom Guilt
August 14, 2025 The first day of school can bring out big emotions—not just for kids, but for moms too. For working parents, the pressure can feel even heavier when our schedules don’t allow us to be there for drop-off, photos, or those sweet morning hugs. Cue the mom guilt . Whether it’s the first day of preschool or the first day of middle school, not being there for your kids at that moment can stir up feelings of sadness, frustration with your situation or envy of all th
Carly Murillo
Aug 14, 20253 min read


Mom’s First Day Jitters: Is Your Stress Setting the Tone?
As backpacks fill and alarms reset, moms everywhere ride a wave of emotions—relief (hello quiet mornings), stress (why that teacher?), or heartache as another milestone sneaks up. It’s a lot to handle. And guess what? Our kids feel it, too. They mirror our emotions through their own worries, resistance, or changes in behavior as they head into the new routine. So how do we manage our own swirl of feelings while helping them start the school year strong? Read below for three q
Carly Murillo
Aug 5, 20253 min read


When Summer Isn’t a Break: 5 Ways to Cope When the Kids Are Home and Your Heart Feels Heavy
5 Tips for coping with big feelings during the summer break
Carly Murillo
Jul 24, 20253 min read
Healing Trauma and Managing Overwhelm:
Therapy Resources for Women
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