Being a mom is well tough.  Today we're talking about how moms can help other moms……

This post is sponsored by United Healthcare. All opinions expressed are my own.Mommy // dress / bow tie / bracelet / shoes //

Lydia // bow / dress / shoes //

pictures by Mily Cooper Photography 

Let's be real, mom life is rough sometimes.  That's why we all dream of wandering the aisles of Target ALONE with a giant red Starbucks cup, right?  Between the great how you feed your baby debate, arguments about sleep training versus co-sleeping, and behavior management styles with toddlers…..it sometimes feels like moms are constantly pitted against each other. I recently had a VERY surreal experience that lead me to think a lot about how we can all support our fellow moms.  A few Tuesdays ago I received an email.  One that made me blink, and reread.  The Honest Company was inviting me to attend a special volunteer opportunity at our local children's hospital.  A small portion of their corporate team (including their founder, Jessica Alba).  For two hours, I watched this amazing team serve the families that were long term patients at Mattel Children's Hospital.  They got to do craft projects, they walked away with BAGS of supplies to support them and their kiddos.

But my real takeaway? Was from a conversation with no other than Jessica Alba herself.  After I got over the fact that I was TALKING TO JESSICA ALBA, I heard some pretty important things.  She talked about her own children, their school and their lives.  It was a totally normal mom conversation.  And she talked about creating long term relationships with community organizations that support local families.  

As she explained, those of us who have been given so much……simply have a responsibility to support those around us.This week is #DoGoodWeek.  We've shared ways to serve as a family, but today I wanted to share five simple ways moms can do good and give back to other moms.

How Moms Can Help Other Moms:

1. Give Kudos: See a fellow mom in the grocery store with three kids in tow? Smile, and tell her what a great job she's doing.  Sometimes, motherhood feels like living on an island.  And that smile and kind word? The perfect lifesaver.
2. Pay for Her Coffee: We've all been that frazzled mom in the Starbucks drive through line.  Pay it forward, buy a cup of coffee for the person after you.
3. Bathroom Break: Playing at the park? Offer to watch that fellow mom's children for two minutes while they use the restroom.  It's a serious hassle to pack up your kids and all their items, and they'll truly appreciate it.
4. Pass Along Items You Don't Need: Kids grow out of clothes and toys quickly.  Pass baby and toddler items along to a family with younger kids.  They can always give them back if you need them again!
5. Playdates: Plan a play date with a mom you'd like to get to know.  Community? Makes all the difference in the world.  Even better? Ask your local women's shelter if you can host a playdate there for the moms and kids living within their walls.

For more ideas on how to give back as a family…..check out our family activities page!

life as mom