Showcasing Parents Archives

Anna McKay Finds Her Calling in Helping Parents Get Back to Work

“A parent helping parents.”

That is one way to describe Anna McKay, a career and leadership coach who helps parents reenter the paid workforce after time away — a demographic she calls “returners.”

The mother of two daughters, ages 13 and 10, and former accountant became a professional coach in 2008 while living abroad in the Philippines and China with her husband. “I was inspired by the women I saw who stopped paid work and moved overseas to be with their spouses.”

When Anna and her husband moved back to the United States, settling in the Houston area, she began encountering women who had taken time off from work to raise their kids and were ready to rejoin the workforce — but many didn’t know where to begin.

McKay knew that coaching could help. “I was doing career transition coaching and helping people figure out their transferable skills,” she says. “That’s the way I see parenting: It’s just another kind of career. You’ve got transferable skills (McKay cites fundraising, volunteering, and community building, among others), but how do you convey them to an employer?”

Putting her expertise to use

She put together her first group coaching program for mothers where she had a half dozen attendees. “I had my first cohort, and it was really well received,” she says. “I got so much energy from that first group — I had never known that before.”

“I want to be part of creating a world where it’s OK to be a parent.

Anna Mckay

Founder, Parents Pivot

That’s when McKay realized she had found her calling. “This work is powerful, and it can impact so many women and lift so many people up.”

She continued to host in-person coaching sessions, and the response was so positive that she formalized them under the banner “THRIVE Like a Mother” (recently renamed “THRIVE Like a Parent”). Since then, McKay has supported more than 100 people through THRIVE.

In mid-2019, McKay launched Parents Pivot to broaden her offerings. (THRIVE now lives under the Parents Pivot umbrella.) In addition to group coaching sessions, the organization offers resources for working parents, returners, and caregivers, including one-on-one coaching for parents and their managers; training for managers of parents and caregivers navigating parental leave or caring for children or aging parents; and parents considering career transitions or desiring more work-life balance.

One ingredient that makes her work successful, McKay says, is that it comes without an agenda. “We are thought partners for parents who haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about what they want,” she says. “We act as an advocate for them.”

A process that empowers

Much of McKay’s work centers on helping clients uncover not only what they enjoy but the skills they developed during their time off and how those translate to the workforce. She also teaches them how to communicate their value and negotiate salaries to prospective employers.

One of the first questions McKay asks clients when she meets with them is: “Where did you choose to spend your time during unpaid work?” From there, she digs deeper, pressing them to think about how everything they’ve acquired translates to paid work. Did they coach their child’s hockey team? Set up payment systems for fundraisers? Lead the PTO? All those experiences are relevant to career development and finding future work.

Getting ready to re-enter the workforce, after being out of it for years, from a skills standpoint is hard enough. But McKay’s clients must also clear the mental hurdle that they are doing the right thing for not only themselves but their families. “When moms return to paid work, they often think about what they are giving up,” McKay says. “But there are so many benefits that they’re also giving their family.” Financial support is the most obvious one, she notes, but there’s also the chance to be a role model for “how to move past challenges, learn, grow, and try hard things.”

“I want to be part of creating a world where it’s OK to be a parent,” McKay says. “It’s OK to take a career pause for whatever reason, build skills, and come back to work and have your skills be recognized for the value they bring. … I mean, who wouldn’t want an employee who really wants to be working?”

Life in the NICU ‘Incredibly Rewarding’ for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Mother of 5

Kate Lanoue adores children. That is apparent not only in her work as a neonatal nurse practitioner but as a mother to five kids, ages 7 to 17. And just as her job in the NICU requires her to be a source of caring and compassion, when she gets home to her family, she takes her role as “mom” just as seriously.

What are your duties as a neonatal nurse practitioner?

I work for Pediatrix, and our team is contracted at several hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida, to care for term and preterm infants in the NICU and newborn nursery. I work 16-hour or 24-hour shifts and am responsible for the daily management of and care for infants, as well as attending deliveries as needed.

What made you want to go into such a high-stress profession?

My passion for nursing was always in critical care because of the advanced nursing and problem-solving skills needed to be successful. The NICU was a natural fit for me because I have always enjoyed babies. It is an incredibly rewarding role in which I am a key member of the team and gain a lot of satisfaction from being able to have a strong voice and advocate for one of the most vulnerable populations.

The most enjoyable part of being a mom is hearing my kids laugh and seeing them smile.

Kate Lanoue

Neonatal nurse practitioner & mother of five

Given the high-stress environment, how do you keep your emotions in check at work?

My role at work is incredibly stressful at times, but in most cases is also incredibly rewarding. The key for me is to always try to focus on the bigger picture and the outcomes we are trying to achieve — a healthy baby that is discharged to a loving family.

I am tasked with needing to keep my emotions grounded for the sake of not only the babies but for the family members. I need to be a source of comfort and reassurance when they are handling a lot of unknowns and facing a very stressful situation.

Having a great team that is always available as a support system is also key. I always find comfort in discussing a rough shift with a coworker; having a sounding board is incredibly beneficial in this role.

How are you able to separate your work life from your home life and role as a mother?

I know when I walk away from the hospital that one of my other coworkers is taking care of the babies and families just as I would. I am able to step away and concentrate on myself and my own family. As a nurse, I am not sure you are ever capable of not worrying or thinking about cases at the hospital, but knowing that the oncoming care team is going to do an amazing job makes stepping away much easier.

How has your role as a mom affected how you approach your job, and vice versa?

My role as a mom has definitely impacted my role as a nurse practitioner. I have had the experience of having a baby in the NICU [Cash, her second oldest, developed a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) after delivery], and I know how incredibly scary and unnerving it can be. I pray that I can be a source of comfort for all my families and help them to adjust to a period in their lives that is most always unexpected and unfamiliar. I want to always have the time to communicate clearly and have as many conversations as needed to ease their discomfort.

My role as a nurse practitioner has changed my outlook on parenting and the things I choose to focus on. I have had the unfortunate experience of seeing families in the worst grief and in incredibly hard situations. Knowing the circumstances that some face has been beneficial for me in my own life because it allows me to step back and see that some of the small issues that seem to be catastrophic as a mom really are just minor bumps in the road that might mean you just need to take a different path. I have been able to take a few breaths and remember what I want the final outcome to be in my children’s lives: to be healthy, happy, and productive citizens.

Kate Lanoue Family Mothers Day Jacksonville Beach — Kate Lanoue and her kids at Jacksonville Beach last Mother’s Day.

Lanoue Family Vilano Beach Ponte Vedra — The Lanoue family at Vilano Beach near St. Augustine, Florida.

What do you enjoy most about being a mom?

The most enjoyable part of being a mom is hearing my kids laugh and seeing them smile. I can be having an incredibly challenging day, but they always seem to make it better when I see them happy and living their best lives.

What part of motherhood do you find the most challenging?

The most challenging part of motherhood for me is letting my children make mistakes so that they can learn how to cope with failure and overcome it. I would love to swoop in and save them every time I see them making choices that are not what I would choose or think is their best option, but I want them to be independent and learn that it’s OK to fail as long as you can make a plan to correct it.

What special “mom” skills do you possess?

My special mom skill is that I see every child as their own person and try to respect their different personalities and choices. I am a firm believer that it is hard with large families to “blanket parent” every child the same. I have come to appreciate how different our five are and embrace the different ways that I have to reach each of them.

What special things do you do for your kids to let them know they’re your top priority?

I think our children know that they are my top priority because I am always available for them, even when I am not physically home. Although I work and carve out time for myself each day to exercise, they know that if they need me, I will rearrange my calendar to make room for them. I never let a day go by without asking about their day and saying I love you.

Cookbook Author Caro Chambers Uses Platform to Help Military Spouses in Need

Food has been a foundational part of Caroline Chambers’ life journey. The author, influencer, podcaster, and mom of three started in catering before moving into developing recipes for brands and magazines, which led to her first book deal, for “Just Married: A Cookbook for Newlyweds.”

But after the birth of her first child, Caro (as she prefers to be called) recognized the vast difference between cooking for two and cooking for two while parenting an infant. That’s when she was inspired to write a second cookbook, “What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking” (available now for pre-order). Her first publisher, however, rejected the idea on the premise that her social media presence wasn’t strong enough to support the title.

When the pandemic hit, Chambers’ freelance recipe development work dried up. Seeing it as an opportunity rather than a setback, she built her social channels while creating easy, approachable recipes. “Everyone’s in quarantine, nobody is going to the grocery store,” Chambers says. “It became my thing to write recipes that included substitutions for every single ingredient.” She then began creating “What to cook when you don’t feel like cooking” content through a subscription newsletter. “Overnight, I got like 500 paid subscribers,” she says. “I was like, whoa, this could work.”

Since then, Chambers’ followers have skyrocketed; she has more than 210,000 on Instagram and 152,000 on Substack. She also has 20,000 paid newsletter subscribers, and the book idea that started it all is due to publish this summer.

Growth for the greater good

As Chambers’ online influence has grown, so have her interests. Her social accounts, once only devoted to food, grew into other areas, such as motherhood tips and lifestyle-focused topics. “I love sharing other parts of my life,” she says. One such part she is particularly passionate about is her support for military families. (Her husband, George, is a former Navy SEAL.)

Over the years, Caro and George have held small fundraising events to help military families. But Caro saw a real chance to help when, in February 2020, the United States announced it was pulling its troops out of Afghanistan over the next 14 months (the evacuation wasn’t actually completed until August 2021). That decision resulted in more soldiers, including George, being sent overseas to provide support and security during the withdrawal. “It really disrupted lives,” Chambers says.

Chambers shared her thoughts about the situation on social media, and soon her inbox was flooded with messages from concerned military spouses. She was especially moved by the stories from pregnant women who were days away from delivering and whose husbands would miss the birth of their child.

Chambers wanted to help, so she reached out to her online community asking for donations. Her followers responded in kind: In 24 hours, she raised $80,000.

That’s when she and Heather Looney — a fellow military wife and one of Chambers’ social media followers — got together to locate pregnant military spouses in need. “My husband has three family members who served with Caro’s husband,” says Looney, who also took a cooking class Chambers taught. Chambers asked Looney if she knew anyone who was activated to rapidly deploy for the Afghanistan withdrawal.

“Caro is truly remarkable,” Looney says. “She uses her platform to bring awareness to the sacrifices our soldiers and their families make every day.”

Serving those who serve

While the withdrawal from Afghanistan was the catalyst for the two women coming together to raise and distribute funds, Looney stresses that military families are often in need of support and resources year-round. “Many in the military community struggle financially,” she says.

Looney devotes much of her time to supporting the military community through her work with nonprofits and other organizations, including Santa’s Castle, which distributes toys at Christmas to children at Fort Moore in Georgia; Battle Buddy Resources, which provides food assistance to Fort Moore families in need; and Operation Deploy Your Dress, which helps offset the costs of formal military functions for military families.

Chambers also continues to be active in raising money for military families, including holding an annual Christmas fundraiser. “We raise close to $100,000 every year,” she says. And as her community has grown, so too have her initiatives, which include providing financial support to families who have lost servicemembers in on-duty accidents and sending ice cream and toys to families. “My community is so generous — it’s become something so much bigger,” she says. “It also shines a light on the sacrifices [military families] make.”

Oregon Mom of 5 Strives to Improve Lives of Foster Children

“Where are the vulnerable children?”

That was the question Jillana Goble, author and founder of Every Child Oregon, and her husband, Luke, asked themselves after living for a time in Guatemala, where they worked in an orphanage.

Jillana already knew the drill: She’d worked at the same orphanage a couple years earlier after graduating college. When she returned with her husband the second time, the couple offered respite services to staff on the weekends — that is, they’d stay with the kids so the employees could get some rest. “That was where our hearts began to be cultivated,” Jillana says.

I have a lot of hope that our small and humble offerings collectively add up to something greater than themselves.

jillana goble

Founder, Every Child Oregon

The couple was on the plane heading home to New York when they began thinking about how they could help at-risk youth, such as those families who were affected by mental illness, domestic violence, or incarceration, in their own community. They found out that many children in those situations end up in foster care. “So, my husband and I, at age 25, with exactly zero parenting experience and no biological kids, signed up to do respite through a local agency.”

But the agency had other plans.

“They told us we’d be really great regular foster parents,” Jillana recalls, “So we said yes.” It would be the first of many yeses for the couple, whose story of caring for children continues to this day. “I became a mom through fostering, birth, and adoption — in that order,” she says.

Building a family

Jillana goble Royal x — Jillana Goble and and her oldest son, Royal.

The couple fostered their first child in 2002, a boy in early elementary school who lived with them for a year. When he left their care, the Gobles lost track of him; however, they reconnected eight years ago and are now in each other’s lives. “We count him as our oldest,” Jillana says.

The Gobles went on to have two biological daughters of their own. A few years later, after relocating to Portland, Oregon, Jillana called to inquire about fostering there. “I was just gathering information,” she says. A week later, a call came: A 6-month-old baby boy needed a family. “We said yes to him,” Jillana says.

That was 15 years ago, and it began an extraordinary relationship between Jillana and Luke, their foster child — whom they later adopted — and the boy’s biological mother, one that continues to this day. A few years after that, Jillana and Luke were asked to pick up a baby from the hospital just for the weekend. That baby is now their 12-year-old adoptive son. In all, the Gobles have five children they call their own.

Jillana says the journey that has brought her children into her life has enriched her. However, she’s honest about the challenges that accompany fostering and adoption, and the impact of those choices on a family’s dynamics. “We get called, we’re asked to say yes, and we really don’t know what we’re saying yes to,” she says. “It’s been fulfilling on a personal level, but there are days when it’s discouraging. Even though there are moments I wouldn’t choose, they have great impact.”

Every Child Oregon

In 2012, Jillana founded Every Child Oregon (previously Embrace Oregon), a movement that supports the foster care system by helping reduce the impact of the trauma on foster children in a variety of ways. That includes supplying tangibles, such as clothes, shoes, and personal-care items; educating the community about the need for foster families; supporting foster families through resources and initiatives like the Foster Parents’ Night Out program; and even conducting office makeovers to make the spaces where children go between placements more welcoming and comforting.

“I have a lot of hope that our small and humble offerings collectively add up to something greater than themselves,” Jillana says. “That is the story of Every Child Oregon, and that is the story of what I hope is happening underneath the roof of our home.”

May is National Foster Care Month. For more information, visit www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth.

18 Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Moms & Grandmas

Moms are one of life’s greatest gifts who would probably cherish just about any present a loved one gave them for Mother’s Day. But we owe it to our moms to go the extra mile and find the type of gift that not only shows our love and appreciation for them but makes it clear we didn’t just close our eyes and grab something.

To help you put your thoughtfulness on full display, we recruited two mothers from two different generations (and who may just happen to be related to the author) to provide some valuable and caring insider advice on the type of unique Mother’s Day gift ideas the moms in your life would treasure, and remember always.

Mom No. 1: Lindsay

Lindsay, 43, has two children, a 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son, and works in marketing and advertising. She is owner of a craft brewery taproom and enjoys listening to live country music with her husband. An experienced marathon runner, she is also a dog mom of two adventurous Goldendoodles.

1. Home Tweet Home Birdhouse

unique mothers day gift ideas Home Tweet Home Birdhouse

“This is so fun and a really sweet, unexpected gift idea. Look at that mini heart wreath and those little flowers in the window boxes! This would easily be the best birdhouse on our block. It’s so full of life and will remind me of my kids, and our family’s home, every time I see a bird visit it.”

2. My Pawfect Pet

unique mothers day gift ideas My Pawfect Pet

“I’ve always loved succulents because they look nice alongside anything, make perfect office decor, and are easy to keep alive — which is a must for me! But what makes this selection a real gem is the cute little dog planter. My daughter and I have such fun with our dogs, and the matching frame personalizes it even further.”

3. Pink Butterfly Ranunculus Bouquet

unique mothers day gift ideas Pink Butterfly Ranunculus Bouquet

“Being a rare flower sets it apart to begin with, and that apothecary jar is no normal vase. Plus, the story behind them in the details section — they were grown in Southern California under coastal sunshine — that’s some special stuff! I’d always be thinking of that when I looked at them.”

4. Magnificent Roses Preserved Vintage Rose Medley

unique mothers day gift ideas Magnificent Roses Preserved Vintage Rose Medley

“I’ve always been interested in preserved roses but wasn’t just going to go and buy them for myself. Given how long they last, you could even write a card about loving your mom forever, or maybe wanting her to enjoy the roses all year around, just like you enjoy her company.”

5. Spring Sunshine Hydrangea Bouquet

unique mothers day gift ideas Spring Sunshine Hydrangea Bouquet

“Another batch of uncommon flowers, this is a really impressive arrangement. I love the muted pinks and pops of yellow. The description says the Peruvian lilies arrive in bud form and bloom over a few days — it’s like a beautiful surprise gift that gives every day!”

6. Fleur de Chocolate Belgian Chocolate Roses – Classic Milk & White

unique mothers day gift ideas Belgian Chocolate Roses

“I’ve really never seen anything like this! The roses look so realistic, I’d almost feel bad eating them. That’s OK, I’ll just ration them out — I can’t resist white chocolate anything. And that gold hatbox will definitely be getting put to use again.”

7. A-Dog-Able in a Basket

unique mothers day gift ideas a DOG able in a Basket

“This is such an imaginative bouquet, so adorable, and reminds me of our Goldendoodles. The spring colors are perfect, and the simplicity of the wicker basket boosts the natural feel. I’d be showing this to all the dog parents who came over, while making sure to keep it well out of our real dogs’ reach!”

8. Candier scented candles

unique mothers day gift ideas who run the world moms candle

“So much more fun than your basic scented candles! The slogans and captions are really neat. ‘Who Run the World? Moms!’ is the obvious one, but because of the fun colors and mix-ins, I’d pick ‘Donut Worry, Be Happy’ and ‘Go Shawty, It’s Your Birthday.’ (I do love me some 50 Cent!)”

9. Mother’s Day Blossom & Butterfly Surprise Box

unique mothers day gift ideas Mothers Day Blossom Butterfly Surprise Box

“This takes strawberry shortcake — which is my fave, by the way — to a whole new level. The ‘Flying Butterfly Surprise Flower Shower’ presentation they show here looks amazing! So cool. I would never forget this one, and my kids would have a ball watching me open this.”

Mom No. 2: Linda

Linda, 75, has three children in their 40s and five grandchildren under 14. After a 35-year career as a high school English teacher, she enjoys family beach vacations on the Jersey Shore, personal fitness and aerobics, traveling with her husband, and walks in the park with their Golden Retriever, Buddy.

10. To My Precious Grandma Necklace

unique mothers day gift ideas To My Precious Grandma Necklace

“I love the symbolism of the circle of life in this necklace and how it represents the bonds between me, my daughter, and my grandchild. The rose gold ring edition strikes me as a bit more unique than the standard gold or silver; the glow reminds me of a heart.”

11. For Grandma Personalized Wind Chimes

unique mothers day gift ideas For Grandma Personalized Wind Chimes

“What a thoughtful addition to my garden! These wind chimes would be a permanent reminder of the special love between a grandma and her grandchild, and with such a pleasing sound, just like a child’s voice. They come with a stand as well, so they wouldn’t just be stuck in one tree, which is different from our current chimes.”

12. Honey Almond Leopard Spa Gift Set

unique mothers day gift ideas Honey Almond Leopard Spa Basket

“Moms and grandmas work double duty. We love it, but we do get tired, and this spa gift set is the perfect pampering present! I love the rich black-and-gold leopard print, and especially the travel mug with my own permanent straw.”

13. Fields of Europe for Spring with Strawberries

unique mothers day gift ideas Fields of Europe for Spring With Strawberries

“This flowers-and-candy combination solves the dilemma of which would I like more for Mother’s Day. And you can’t beat chocolate covered strawberries! The bouquet is really not like most; it’s based on the ones in European flower markets, which reminds me of visiting my grandparents in England as a child.”

14. Family Connections Personalized Bracelet

unique mothers day gift ideas Family Connections Personalized Bracelet

“This is not just an elegant piece of jewelry — it’s a conversation starter! What proud mother or grandmother would pass up the opportunity to talk about her loved ones? I’m wearing this one at social functions so I can do that all night.”

15. Foldable Splatter Guard

unique mothers day gift ideas Foldable Splatter Guard

“It’s tough to cook some of my best recipes while keeping the oven top free of grease. Being able to lift this one side at a time is such a great idea! It makes a perfect present because I probably wouldn’t buy it for myself, but I certainly could use it.”

16. Parlor Ice Cream Mixing Set

unique mothers day gift ideas Parlor Ice Cream Mixing Set

“I’m a fan of ice cream toppings just as much as ice cream flavors, and I’d enjoy using this to create new recipes with the whole family. I know the grandkids would come up with some interesting mix-in ideas! It would be such a fun activity to enjoy with them.”

17. You Are My Sunshine Brownie Box

unique mothers day gift ideas You Are My Sunshine Brownie Box

“Being the light of someone’s life is such a compliment, and the title of this gift was my favorite children’s song as a young mother. And those flavors! The kids can try a bite (except for the red velvet), but this is staying on the top shelf. The sun is so adorable, it’ll probably be the last thing to be eaten.”

18. Aromatherapy Gift Set Lavender Meadows

unique mothers day gift ideas Aromatherapy Gift Set Lavender Meadows

“Lavender is such a relaxing scent, and this is more than just candles and smells — all the purple makes for great spring decoration. And I could see myself displaying the lilacs from our garden in the heart jar.”

25 Heartwarming Songs Celebrating Mothers

Motherhood is a timeless theme in music, inspiring countless artists to create beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics that capture the essence of maternal love, sacrifice, and nurturing. As Mother’s Day approaches, one way to honor the special women in our lives is by listening to some of the best songs about moms.

These touching songs celebrate the unique and unconditional love of mothers. Whether you’re with your mom or simply reflecting on cherished memories, let the music remind you of the profound impact mothers have on our lives.

Here are 20 heartwarming songs that pay tribute to the extraordinary bond between mothers and their children.

1. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men

This soulful R&B ballad expresses deep gratitude and appreciation for the unconditional love and support of mothers.

2. “The Perfect Fan” by Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys’ heartfelt tribute celebrates the unwavering presence and guidance of a mother throughout life’s journey.

Backstreet Boys - The Perfect Fan (Audio)

3. “Dear Mama” by Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur’s emotional ode to his own mother explores the struggles and sacrifices of single mothers with honesty and vulnerability.

4. “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride

Martina McBride’s touching country ballad reflects on the world as seen through the eyes of a mother, emphasizing the unconditional love and acceptance mothers provide.

5. “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins

Featured in Disney’s “Tarzan,” this uplifting song celebrates the eternal bond between a mother and her child.

6. “Mama Liked the Roses” by Elvis Presley

The King’s tender ballad reminisces about cherished memories shared with his mother, showcasing the simple joys of a mother’s love.

7. “Mother” by John Lennon

John Lennon’s poignant tribute to his own mother reflects on the impact she had on his life and the enduring connection they share.

8. “Mother’s Little Helper” by The Rolling Stones

While not a traditional tribute, this Rolling Stones classic humorously addresses the struggles of mothers juggling household responsibilities.

9. “The Baby” by Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton’s country ballad celebrates the transformative experience of becoming a parent, reflecting on the profound love and responsibility it brings.

Blake Shelton - The Baby (Official Music Video)

10. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

Although not explicitly about motherhood, this rock anthem evokes sentiments of nostalgia and love, making it a popular choice for celebrating the bond between parent and child.

Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine (Official Music Video)

11. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

This uplifting country song offers words of wisdom and encouragement from a mother to her child, urging them to embrace life’s opportunities and challenges.

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)

12. “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton

This autobiographical song recounts Dolly Parton’s childhood experiences and the love her mother showed by making her a coat out of rags, emphasizing the value of love over material wealth.

Dolly Parton - Coat Of Many Colors (Official Audio)

13. “You Can’t Lose Me” by Faith Hill

Faith Hill’s heartfelt country ballad reassures her child that no matter what challenges they face, she’ll always be there to support and love them unconditionally.

Faith Hill - "You Can't Lose Me" (Official Video)

14. “Turn to You” by Justin Bieber

In this tribute, Justin Bieber expresses gratitude for his mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices, and acknowledges her as his source of strength and inspiration.

15. “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s nostalgic song reflects on the cherished memories of a mother-daughter relationship, celebrating the special moments shared and the enduring love between them.

Taylor Swift - The Best Day (Taylor's Version) (Lyric Video)

16. “Hey Mama” by Kanye West

Kanye West reflects on the sacrifices his mother made and the impact she had on his life in this heartfelt tribute.

17. “Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry

A celebration of the unique bond shared by mothers and daughters, this country song by The Band Perry pays homage to the values and virtues passed down from mothers to their children.

13. “Two of Us” by Louis Tomlinson

Louis Tomlinson’s poignant song honors his late mother, reflecting on the memories they shared and the strength he draws from her legacy.

Louis Tomlinson - Two of Us (Official Video)

19. “I Turn to You” by Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera acknowledges her mother as a constant source of love and strength in this heartfelt ballad that expresses gratitude for a mother’s guidance and support.

Christina Aguilera - I Turn To You (Official Video)

20. “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood’s country hit celebrates the transition from daughter to wife while assuring her mother that she’ll always be cherished and loved.

Carrie Underwood - Mama's Song (Official Video)

21. “Mother How Are You Today” by Maywood

This poignant song by the Dutch duo Maywood reflects on the emotional connection between a mother and her child.

22. “Mama Said” by Lukas Graham

Lukas Forchhammer, lead singer of the Danish band Lukas Graham, reminisces about the wisdom and guidance imparted by his mother in this heartfelt song.

Lukas Graham - Mama Said [Official Music Video]

23. “The Perfect Wisdom of Our God” by Keith & Kristyn Getty

This beautiful hymn by Northern Irish duo Keith and Kristyn Getty celebrates the nurturing and guiding role of mothers.

Perfect Wisdom of Our God (Official Lyric Video) - Keith & Kristyn Getty

24. “Hey Mama” by David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj

David Guetta and Nicki Minaj’s upbeat track is a tribute to the strength and resilience of mothers.

David Guetta - Hey Mama (Official Video) ft Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack

25. “Mother Love” by Queen

Freddie Mercury’s haunting vocals express longing and admiration for his mother in this Queen masterpiece.

8 Best Mother’s Day Gifts for New Moms

In my early days of new motherhood, I was caught in a whirlwind of euphoric love, feedings, doctor’s visits, family visits, and keeping our 450-square-foot apartment — which had turned into “baby central” — from falling into an abyss of clutter.

“Me” time? It wasn’t happening. Sure, I had managed a date night here and there with my husband (thanks to my mom) and a quiet walk or two (thanks to my husband), but it wasn’t until my first Mother’s Day rolled around that I was ready to pause and celebrate all that I had accomplished growing this little one. And, now, making a new life with him.

This lineup of gifts for new moms this Mother’s Day has celebratory self-care and the little pleasures in “life before baby” in mind.

1. “Feeling Sunny” Coffee and Cookies Gift Box

Mothers Day gifts for new moms coffee and cookies gift box

Coffee-loving new moms love it for the energy boost, but the ritual of enjoying a great cup of coffee from start to finish is a rare occurrence. This gift basket, replete with a beautiful new mug, the deep flavors and aromas of two types of coffee, including two dozen cookies and other treats, puts the joy back into her java.

2. Sunny Days Fruit and Cheese Gift Box

Mothers Day gifts for new moms Fruit and Cheese Gift Box

After nine months of being unable to enjoy blue and soft-ripened cheeses, every cheese-loving new mom will yelp with joy after unwrapping this gourmet cheese and fruit topper box. This duo of artisan cheeses covers a wide-ranging palate: sharp white cheddar and a salty yet creamy Gouda.

3. Wild Ahi Tuna Steaks

Mothers Day gifts for new moms Wild Ahi Tuna Steaks

Sushi is another food pregnant women have to forgo during pregnancy. Hence, a gift of these delectable, line-caught, sushi-grade yellowfin tuna steaks brings one of her favorite foods to her doorstep to enjoy any time she likes, and in recipe-ready portions. We recommend searing them.

4. Embroidered Luxury Ivory Fleece Robe

Mothers Day gifts for new moms Embroidered Fleece Robe

Downtime for a new mom feels that much better when she’s wrapped in the cozy comfort and relaxation of this luxurious fleece bathrobe — and monogramming it gives it a special touch. Surprise her by embroidering it with an inspirational moniker, such as a favorite nickname or “Awesome Lady,” and this robe is now a power garment!

5. Relaxing Self Care Gift Box

Mothers Day gifts for new moms Self Care Gift Box

This gift epitomizes “Me Time.” Take the baby for a walk so mom can take herself to the land of bliss. Mineral bath salts, hand cream, an eye mask, and a scented candle will help her imagine being in a fortress of solitude.

6. Sweets & Sparkling Wine Bar

Mothers Day gifts for new moms Sweets and Sparkling Wine Bar

Set the scene for celebration with this fun Mom-osa bar, which includes two sparkling wines along with an assortment of baked treats, including cookies, brownies, and mini cakes. Invite her friends over and offer it as part of a brunch spread. Or, save it and wake her up to something other than the baby that, too, is sweet and bubbly!

7. Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

Mothers Day gifts for new moms Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

New moms love nothing more than luxuriating in a hot bath – but not every new mom has time for one. Make her shower time something to look forward to with these shower steamers, which come in 12 scents that are sure to put her in a state of calm and relaxation.

8. One-of-a-Kind Bouquet

Mothers Day gifts for new moms One of a Kind Bouquet

Creating a one-of-a-kind flower bouquet is a great way to celebrate a new mom’s beauty, grace, and unique personality. A stunning custom arrangement can include a unique flower from her wedding bouquet or blooms she treasured growing up. It’s a Mother’s Day gift that reminds the new mom that even though she might be exhausted, she is still a queen.

One Tough Cookie: Rosemary Alfredo’s Advocacy a Key Ingredient in Daughter’s Success

Collette Divitto has enjoyed baking for as long as she can remember. When she enrolled in a baking class in high school, she had no idea it would pave the way for her entrepreneurial journey as founder and CEO of her Charlestown, Massachusetts-based company, Collettey’s Cookies. “The teacher called three months into it, and I thought she was going to tell me [Collette] was struggling,” says Rosemary Alfredo, Collette’s mom, who is also the company’s director of PR and marketing. “But she told me Collette was her best student. She was teaching and helping the other kids in the class.”

Collette, who has Down syndrome, was born in 1990 into a family of determined and hard-working entrepreneurs. Rosemary explains: “My dad was an entrepreneur. It was important to my parents to instill in us an understanding that you get pride from work and self-esteem from making your own money. We all grew up having chores and having jobs.”

That’s a mindset Rosemary passed down to her children.

Living and learning in the real world

Although Rosemary attended college for a time, she ultimately relied on what she calls “street smarts” to get ahead in life. “Back when I went to college, the professors had been in education their whole lives,” she says. “Sometimes I would sit in class and think, ‘This is not what’s going to happen in the real world.’” That prompted her to leave college and take part-time classes, learning things like real estate development and construction. She went on to launch several successful ventures of her own in those areas, as well as an athletic club.

When it came to Collette’s education, Rosemary reflected on her college days and recognized the system simply wasn’t set up to teach her daughter the real-life skills she believed she would need to succeed. So, from elementary through middle school, Rosemary partnered with educators to develop projects and lessons that would help Collette develop confidence and self-esteem while she learned. Collette flourished.

As a parent, she has always been my best friend, my rock, and my hero. I wouldn’t be here without my mom.

Collette Divitto

Founder & CEO, Collettey’s Cookies

In high school, however, things changed. Unable to keep up with the rigors of standardized education in her peer group, Collette began to spiral. Rosemary had to start from square one. “Every time you hit these different schools, you have different leadership, different principals, who have different mentalities,” she says.

After several meetings with school administrators, Rosemary was able to make the case that Collette would be better off with a specialized curriculum that incorporated facets of traditional learning with valuable life skills. “I asked for all the textbooks, and then I wrote the curriculum,” Rosemary says. “It was about voting for the president, traveling, creating a budget, banking. Whether it was global history or science, I wrote her curriculum [about] what she needed to learn.”

Rosemary then looked to electives to augment the rest of Collette’s education. And that’s when she enrolled Collette in a baking class.

Building on a foundation of success

After high school, Collette went on to graduate from Clemson University’s LIFE program and was intent on living a life of independence. She moved to Boston and applied for job after job, but the responses from employers were always the same: “You’re not a fit for our company.”

Never one to give up — it’s a trait that runs in the family — Collette charted her own course. With Rosemary’s assistance, she combined her love of baking with business and launched Collettey’s Cookies, a profitable online bakery that also employs others living with disabilities.

“There are so many amazing things about my mom,” Collette says. “She has taught me so many incredible things and is so inspirational to me. As a parent, she has always been my best friend, my rock, and my hero. I wouldn’t be here without my mom.”

Adds Rosemary: “I’m glad Collette believes in me, because I believe in her.”

When Is Grandparents’ Day?

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.

̶ Alex Haley

grandparents day grandfather holding grandson on beach

Where would we be without grandparents? They’re the glue that bonds us and all our relatives together, the piece of the family puzzle that holds everything in place. They show us unshakable compassion, attention, and love, and, more often than not, are our favorite relatives, too.

Grandparents are a big deal, and we love them so much there’s even a nationally recognized holiday dedicated to them — National Grandparents’ Day!

In honor of this special day, which this year falls on Sept. 10, let’s learn more about how it came to be along with some ideas for showing our grandparents how much we treasure them.

The history of National Grandparents’ Day

The origins of National Grandparents’ Day date back to 1961. During a White House conference on aging, a man named Jacob Reingold found inspiration in a speech that focused on the new image of the aged and was determined to figure out how to honor the role of grandparents.

That same year, Reingold helped facilitate the first Grandparents’ Day at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, in the Bronx, and in 1963 the borough recognized Grandparents’ Day as an official holiday.

The next big step occurred in 1970, when a woman named Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia, started a campaign to establish a special day of recognition for grandparents. McQuade was well qualified to lead the charge: She had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and had worked with senior citizens for many years.

Her idea caught the attention of Sen. Jennings Randolph of West Virginia. Randolph petitioned to have Grandparents’ Day established as a statewide holiday, which Gov. Arch Moore did in 1973, and continued to work to have the day recognized as a national holiday. Finally, with McQuade’s help, the senator’s efforts paid off, and in 1978 Congress declared the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents’ Day. President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation on Sept. 6, 1979, three days before the holiday’s first nationwide celebration.

Why do we celebrate National Grandparents’ Day?

The original proclamation described National Grandparents’ Day as a time to “honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

While the day is dedicated to thanking grandparents for their love and support, it is also a time to make children aware of the great wisdom their grandparents and other elderly community members have, and how they can learn from them.

7 ways to celebrate National Grandparents’ Day

There are so many things you can do on National Grandparents’ Day to show grandma and grandpa your appreciation for how much they’ve shaped your life. Just the simple act of setting aside some time for them and letting them know you care has numerous benefits, for young and old alike.

Here are seven simple yet heartwarming ideas they’re sure to love.

1. Send them a hand-written note

Can’t make it in person? Surprise grandma and grandpa with a heartfelt letter written by hand. Include a photo of you together to really pull at their heartstrings.

grandparents day granddaughter spending time with grandmother

2. Tend to their yard or garden

Show an interest in their prized garden by giving it some TLC! Whether it be simply watering the plants, pulling the weeds, or actually planting some seeds, grandma and grandpa will surely appreciate the thought and effort.

3. Take them out to lunch

Cater to their favorite cuisine, or surprise them with a unique dining experience they have never tried before. If you want to be a little more hands-on, you can cook them a meal or have one delivered to their home.

4. Bond over the arts

Does grandpa love to watch classic films? Or maybe grandma loves to paint. Find out their favorite artistic activity and indulge in a day discussing favorites, swapping masterpieces, or embarking on a new artistic venture together.

Grandma and grandpa have a long history together, most of which you probably do not even know about. Serve up some coffee and desserts and ask them to share some of their fondest and most interesting memories — you may be surprised at what you learn!

active senior with grandkids riding bikes in nature

6. Spend time doing their favorite activity

Be it baking, fishing, or even dancing, join them in partaking in their favorite past time. You may find you enjoy it just as much as they do!

7. Surprise them with a framed photo

Enlist the help of family members to dig up old photos of the two of them together. Then, gift them this photo framed and ready for hanging.

Gift ideas for National Grandparents’ Day

What do you do for your grandparents if you live too far away to spend the day with them? Send them a gift! Here are some popular options any set of grandparents would love to receive.

grandparents day Family Sunflower Windchime — Family Sunflower Windchime

grandparents day Majestic Grandeur Gourmet Gift Basket — Majestic Grandeur Gourmet Gift Basket

grandparents day Bloom Dish Garden — Bloom Dish Garden

Of course, you can never go wrong with flowers. Check out our guide to the perfect blooms to send for National Grandparents’ Day.