Parenting comes with immense joy but also unexpected grief—the loss of dreams we once held for our children. In Lessons from the NICU: Grief and Loss in Parenting, I reflect on our family’s journey with Charli in the NICU and the parallels to parenting older children whose paths may differ from our hopes. This piece explores how we can honor our grief while embracing the beauty of the present, finding joy in the journey, even when it takes an unexpected turn.

Growth often looks like regression—whether it’s a baby waking up all night or a teenager struggling through relationships. But what if these challenging moments aren’t setbacks, but signs of progress? In this post, we explore the parallels between sleep regressions and the messy middle of growth at any stage of life. With the metaphor of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, we’re reminded that change takes time, love, and patience—both for our children and ourselves. If you're in the thick of a tough season, this is your reminder to give yourself and your child grace. This isn’t regression—it’s growth in disguise.

Advocating when something doesn’t sit well.

By taking small intentional steps forward big changes can be made.