Alicia

Grieving a Family Pet: A Working Mom's Guide to Processing Loss with Children

There’s a certain kind of magic in the love of a dog.

Fifteen years ago, we brought Kona home—long before the chaos of kids, career changes, or the many joys and heartbreaks that life would bring. She was our first baby. She lived through the birth of all three of our children (now 12, 9, and 4), and somehow, she adapted with grace and quiet strength as our world evolved around her.

She wasn’t perfect—but she was perfect for us.

In our house, filled with energy, mismatched socks, and never-ending schedules, she was a calming presence. A soft landing. From the moment she greeted us each morning to her final days, she gave her all. Every single day.

And now… she’s gone. And the silence she left behind was louder than I ever expected.

A Dog Who Grew With Us

Kona hit her prime around 7, right around the time most dogs settle into themselves. It was like she matured with us. She took every adventure we threw at her, whether it was a move over the Golden Gate Bridge, a mountain hike, or a late-night snuggle session after another newborn feeding marathon.

She was there when I worked building my career at my first startup and was beloved by all my teammates as our unofficial marketing mascot. She sat with me through operations, miscarriages, the loss of my beloved grandmother, and some of the most vulnerable moments of my life. She celebrated every high and never wavered through any low.

She had a mischievous streak, too, that is worth mentioning: 

• A stolen pink cupcake that gave her endless diarrhea? Worth it.
• A full chocolate advent calendar? Down the hatch—and out the other end.
• A bowl full of spilled popcorn stolen—oopsie.
• A poop on a Christmas present to mom? Sorry about that one.

And somehow, despite all her snacky adventures, she outlived her breed’s average lifespan by several years with minimal health issues.

A Dog Who Raised Our Kids, Too

Kona was there for all of it. She let my third wrestle her endlessly, unfazed by the toddler body slams she learned to endure from the first two. She let them climb on her, dress her up, and spill their secrets to her on hard days.

She taught them love.
She taught them patience.
She taught them presence.

Grieving Out Loud 

Losing her has left a giant hole in our hearts and our home. We’ve never known a life without her. I counted. Five thousand three hundred days, in fact, we’ve only known a life with Kona in it. But I’m letting my kids grieve out loud. We talk about her. We cry. We laugh at the memories. We light a candle. We pray.

We remembered her in photos, videos, and appreciated the dozens of drop-offs, notes, and little gifts we’ve received from loved ones to work our way through it. And slowly, we’re learning to live with the loss.

How to Talk to Kids About the Loss of a Pet

Every child grieves differently, and depending on their age and development, their understanding of death can vary dramatically. Here’s what helped us and what experts recommend when helping kids cope with losing a beloved pet:

Ages 2–5: Keep it simple and honest.
Young kids often don’t understand the concept of permanence. Use clear, gentle language. Instead of saying, “Kona went to sleep,” which can be confusing or even scary, say, “Kona’s body stopped working, and she died. We won’t see her anymore, but we can always remember her.”

Offer comfort through routine and affection, and expect that they may ask the same questions again and again as they try to process what happened.

Ages 6–9: Encourage questions and allow emotion.
Children in this age group often begin to understand that death is final, but it may still feel confusing. Let them talk, cry, be angry, or even laugh. Encourage expression through drawing, storytelling, or creating a little memory box with their favorite photo or collar.

We let our kids light a candle and share their favorite Kona stories around the dinner table. It helped them feel heard and reminded them that it’s okay to feel big feelings.

Ages 10+: Let them lead the way.
Older kids may understand death more like adults do, but that doesn’t make it easier. They may want more privacy in their grief or feel pressure to stay “strong.” Make sure they know there’s no right way to mourn.

I told my oldest, “You don’t have to hold it together. Grief is love with nowhere to go.” That opened the door for a much-needed cry and some deep conversation that I’ll always remember.

What She Taught Me

In these quiet moments, I keep coming back to one truth:

Kona showed up. Every day.
She didn’t worry about the future. She didn’t dwell on the past.
She loved us completely, even in our mess.
She reminded us to greet each morning joyfully and give love freely. That, in itself, was the most profound kind of wisdom to leave with all of us.

For Anyone Else Grieving a Pet

If you’re grieving the loss of a beloved animal, know that you’re not alone. The pain is real because the love is real. What’s helped me:

• Letting it out. Cry, talk, share. Grief needs air.
  
• Honoring the memories. Light a candle, tell a story, and create a little tribute.
  
• Reflecting on the joy. They gave us so much more than we can ever give back.

Kona’s memory lives on in our home, in our hearts, and in every moment we choose presence over perfection. She wasn’t just a dog. She was our first family member. And she taught us how to love bigger, live fuller, and keep going—even after goodbye.

For more stories on parenting, love, and finding light in the mess, check out our new episodes on the MomShine podcast—the #1 show for busy moms working their way through the chaos.

by Alicia

Giada De Laurentiis's Super Italian: Essential Cooking Secrets Revealed

Last week, I had the chance to attend Giada De Laurentiis’s Super Italian book event at Book Passage in Corte Madera. There, she was interviewed by Liz Moody, the #1 wellness podcaster and author of 100 Ways to Change Your Life.

It was an evening filled with insider cooking tips, Italian lifestyle wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on slowing down and embracing La Dolce Vita—because, as Giada says, "Italian life is about savoring, not rushing."

Here’s what I took away from this intimate and inspiring conversation:

Live La Dolce Vita—Slow Down, Savor More

For Giada, living La Dolce Vita isn’t just about food—it’s about intention. Slowing down, taking in your surroundings, and focusing on quality over quantity.

And that philosophy extends to cooking, too. Simplicity is key. Giada swears by high-quality ingredients that don’t need much fuss. Slowing down in the kitchen is also essential. Cooking isn’t just about the end result—it’s about enjoying the process.

Giada’s Game-Changing Cooking Tips

I loved hearing firsthand from Giada about her passion behind writing her 11th book, Super Italian. She says that each book represents a phase in her life and journey. This one in particular comes after a phase of not feeling her best. She suffered from debilitating sinus infections and gut problems. She wanted a book that wasn’t only about how to keep enjoying food but also about how food can support you in feeling your best in the process! Some of what’s included: 

• Make Bread Crumbs, but Also Make Them Flavor-Packed: Her garlicky anchovy breadcrumbs can elevate any dish—sprinkle them on pasta, salads, or even grilled veggies.
• The Magic of Sicilian Pesto: There’s a whole section in her book dedicated to condiments because, according to Giada, great food is all about layers of flavor. Her Sicilian pesto is a must-try, and it’s also like eating a mini-salad as Liz put it.
• The Truth About Pasta: Did you know that true Italian pasta should only have two ingredients? Pastas should only have durum wheat semolina and water. That’s it! Many mass-produced pastas in the U.S. are pushed through plastic molds and filled with gums and additives, which she avoids.

In the Q&A portion of the night, she also covered some of her go-to pasta brands:

• Giadzy Pasta: Her line of artisan, bronze-die cut pasta that's imported from Italy.
• Jovial Foods: A solid option sold at Whole Foods, especially for kids.

A food pro tip for her natural glow? Olive oil. Giada consumes about ¼ cup of olive oil a day in her meals. She also closes out a good day with her go-to DIY face scrub. It’s a mix of rice flour + olive oil for that natural, dewy glow.

Behind the Scenes: Giada’s 7 Tips on Food, Travel & Life

The best part of going to a book event with the author is that you get secrets that sometimes aren’t included in the book, but give more context to the choices of what is included. Here are some of my favorite behind the scenes tips from a night with Giada at my local books store.

Tip #1: Take Risks. Before taking a leap in starting her career on The Food Network, which launched her into food star-dom, she thought: What did I have to lose? When she first got into television, she had to take a leap of faith—seeing it as an opportunity to go for it without fear of failure. Her family wasn’t sure it’d even work out, so why should she?

Tip #2: Failures Make You Better. She believes every misstep leads to growth—whether it’s in the kitchen or in life.

Tip #3: Dry Pasta, Not Fresh Pasta, 9 times out of 10. Surprisingly, she chooses dry pasta over fresh most of the time, just like in Italy—except in Bologna, where fresh pasta reigns supreme.

Tip #4: The Best Italian Breakfast—A Cornetto. Forget eggs and bacon—the most authentic way to start your day in Italy? A cappuccino & a “Cornetto” (Italy’s version of a croissant—light, flaky, and slightly sweet!).

Tip #5: Cocktail over Vino. She prefers a straight-up tequila with fresh orange over wine any day. Shocker!

Tip #6: Dream Vacation—On a Boat! Santorini & Escia—because, as she puts it, "There’s nothing better than sleeping on a boat."

Tip #7: She Has One Go-To Italian Restaurant Recommendation. She said most people love Dal Bolognese if you’re ever near the city center in Rome. Kids or no kids in tow—it’s always a hit.

Giada’s Best Cooking Tips (AKA: Why You’ll Want to Buy This Book!)

Most importantly, I learned my “Garlic Rule of the Year” at this event! Not included in the book, but makes you realize how real chefs know the best kept secrets. Her tip? Remove garlic once it turns golden brown in olive oil. Otherwise, it’ll overpower the dish and alter the flavor.

I also can’t wait to try some of her favorite dishes she talked about that are included in her new book:

• Garlicky Bread Crumbs—to add flavor and texture to any meal (page 47)
• Layerless Sheet-Pan Lasagna (page 135)
• Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola and Balsamic (page 174)
• The Ultimate Easter Dessert? Her Orange Olive Oil Cake (page 257)

I also loved to hear her most ordered dish at her restaurants……Lemon Spaghetti. Every. Single. Time.

Her Final Words of Advice?

In the final Q&A fire round, she shared some tips that really blew my mind.

1. Cooking on a boat? Use ½ ocean water & ½ filtered water for pasta.
2. Her go-to meal when her family gets together? Breaded veal with broccoli rabe.
3. Her favorite spice level? Minimal. She doesn’t love too much heat in food as it takes away from the flavor.
4. Best pantry staple? Dried fruit—it’s always a great snack for adults and kids.

Final Thoughts

Giada’s event wasn’t just about food—it was about a way of living. A reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace simple pleasures. Her new book isn’t just a cookbook—it’s an invitation to live, cook, and eat like an Italian. And after hearing her talk, I think we could all use a little more La Dolce Vita in our lives.

Want to bring more ease and joy into your everyday life? Grab a cup of coffee (or a cocktail, if you’re channeling Giada) and tune into the latest on the MomShine Podcast—where we dive into real mom talk, slowing it down and simplifying the many conundrums that come up in mom life.

by Alicia

Menopause Masterclass Recap: Solutions, Learnings, and Products That Work

The Menopause Crisis: Why Women Deserve Better Care

Imagine spending a third of your life feeling dismissed, misdiagnosed, and left in the dark about your own body. That’s the reality for millions of women entering menopause. And it’s not just about the hot flashes.

Despite the fact that menopause affects every woman, our healthcare system leaves us to navigate this phase alone, without the guidance or specialized care we desperately need. The underinvestment in menopause research and treatment options is staggering:

• Less than 1% of healthcare research funding is allocated to menopause. Of the $46 billion NIH budget, only around 10% goes to women’s health, and less than 1% of that funds menopause research.
• Only 6.8% of OB-GYN residents actively included menopause care in their training curriculum. 
• Women were rarely included in clinical trials before 1993, and even today, only 33% of participants in many studies are women, despite significant differences in how medications affect us. 

The reality? Women are often left to suffer in silence. And when you consider that Black and Latina women tend to experience more severe menopause symptoms yet receive even less research attention, it’s clear this issue is a crisis.

Meet Menopause Experts Changing the Narrative

To help break the silence, we brought in two powerhouse experts leading the way in menopause care:

• Dr. Alicia Jackson, founder of EverNow, a telehealth platform that has helped nearly 50,000 women reclaim their vitality.
• Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, author and creator of The Menopause Bootcamp and trusted advisor to women like Drew Barrymore.

Together, they’re revolutionizing the conversation on menopause, highlighting groundbreaking research, and sharing real solutions for women looking to thrive—not just survive—midlife.

Key Learnings from Our Menopause Masterclass 

1. Women Will Spend Over 30 Years in Post-Menopause

The average woman will spend more time in menopause than she did having periods. Yet, most of us know more about our monthly cycle than we do about this crucial phase of life. As I quickly realized when preparing for this episode, the aisles in stores are lined with PMS products, yet there are very few products on the mainstream market dedicated to midlife and menopause health for women.

What You Can Do? Start educating yourself early on symptoms and solutions. Track your hormonal shifts through solid cycle tracking and discuss options with healthcare professionals and telehealth platforms well-versed in menopause care.

2. Later Menopause = Longer Life

A large study of women in their 90s found that those who went through menopause later tended to live longer. While genetics play a role, lifestyle and hormone health contribute significantly. How you eat, move, and manage stress today will impact your experience in menopause and your overall longevity. Research shows that estrogen is protective, and as it declines, it’s crucial to build lifestyle habits that protect all parts of the body, from your head to your gut to your bones and beyond.

What You Can Do? Prioritize lifestyle changes that support longevity, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Start focusing on muscle building and bone density by exercising like plyometrics (i.e., exercises that essentially incorporate bouncing). Consider discussing hormone therapy with a knowledgeable provider.

3. Your OB-GYN May Not Be the Right Person to Help with Menopause

Most doctors aren’t incentivized or trained or don't have time to discuss menopause care at your annual checkup. Many women are left navigating symptoms alone or misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of receiving proper hormonal support. According to Dr. Alicia Jackson, the real risk beyond that is that hormonal support gets blunted as well when taking SSRIs (or anti-depressants) based on new research.

What You Can Do? Seek out a menopause specialist or a telehealth provider like EverNow. Stay up to date on the latest research. Try hormone supplementation before turning to antidepressants if it’s the right choice for you, and advocate for yourself.

4. Women of Color Experience More Severe Symptoms—But Proper Care Levels the Playing Field

One EverNow study of 70,000 women of color found they had twice as many menopausal symptoms as white women. However, when provided with proper hormonal care, their outcomes improved significantly.

What You Can Do? Don’t settle for subpar care—find a provider who listens and looks for telehealth networks with data on women just like you. Take it a step further and share menopause information within your community to ensure all women can have access to resources.

5. Groundbreaking Research Is Changing Menopause Treatment

From Ayurvedic medicine to GLP-1 medications showing a 12% reduction in Alzheimer’s markers, cutting-edge research is offering new hope for menopause care.

Exciting Breakthroughs:

• Rapamycin is being studied at Columbia University for its potential to prevent ovarian aging. This would potentially improve women’s longevity.
• GLP-1 medications (commonly used for diabetes and weight management) are now being examined for their role in preventing cognitive decline. The early markers look very promising even for women not overweight since these diseases are insulin resistant.
• Vaginal estrogen and DHEA treatments (such as prescription Interrosa) are proving effective in addressing multiple symptoms, including mood, libido, and bone health. As a precursor hormone, it’s a safe place to start as it’s able to convert within your body to the hormone it needs.

Menopause Solutions & Products That Work

1. EverNow

A telehealth platform offering personalized menopause care and hormone therapy solutions. Their database also helps build better treatment options based on real women's experiences.

2. Vaginal Estrogen (DHEA)

Starting with vaginal estrogen can help the body naturally convert what it needs, providing overall hormonal support.

3. Body Composition Tracking

Instead of focusing on weight, understanding fat distribution (especially around organs) is key to health in midlife and beyond. The simple math is to estimate body fat using your height and weight measurements, but a step further helps account for muscle mass, bone density, and body composition.

4. Ayurveda & Functional Medicine

Holistic approaches like Ayurvedic medicine take into account diet, lifestyle, and hormone balance for menopause support. This ancient Indian medical system transformed Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz’s practice to apply a more holistic approach to patients’ physical and mental health.

5. Finding the Right Healthcare Advocate

SSRI antidepressants can interfere with hormone therapy. If you’re struggling with mood changes, starting with hormone therapy first might be more effective before adding other medications. EverNow can help you find other women like you to see which treatment is working and how it might apply to your own well-being during this stage of life. A good indicator is also how you adapted through your pregnancies.

Bottom Line: Women Deserve Better Care When it Comes to Menopause 

I had no idea how little women’s bodies have been studied until this episode. It’s why many of us feel we are learning as we go through this stage of life, but as women get louder and more vocal in terms of care, it’s important you also know you aren’t alone.

To summarize, in our menopause masterclass episode, we learned:

1. The power of tracking our symptoms and knowing our bodies. Looking at pregnancy and PMS symptoms are great starting points.
2. Finding the right healthcare advocate and scheduling separate visits and resources for care and early symptom management is key.
3. The revolutionary treatments and options that are available now are only going to get better as we go.

Since tissues get dryer as we age, leveraging silicone-based lubricants like Uberlube during intercourse and an over-the-counter hyaluronic acid called Revaree in between can help, as well as regularly checking the tissues in the vulvar area to ensure you notice any changes early. Maybe skip on the vaginal steaming, though. Just starting with these basics can make a world of difference.

Most importantly, we learned that women deserve better—and together, we can demand it and break the silence. Your health journey is unique, but you’re not alone. 

Stay curious, stay vocal, and never settle for dismissive care.

If this episode helped you, share it with another woman who needs this information. Rate, review, and subscribe to join our community of empowered women taking charge of their health!

by Alicia

5 Signs of Progress for Women to Celebrate This International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and the steps we’re still taking toward gender equality. This year, we’re celebrating real, measurable progress that is changing the game for women across industries, health, and business. While there’s still work to do, these five signs of progress are worth recognizing and championing.

1. More Women in Leadership

For the first time in history, over 10% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women. While this is still a fraction of what we hope to see, it’s a milestone worth celebrating. Beyond the corporate world, women are stepping into leadership roles in politics, tech, and finance at increasing rates, breaking long-standing barriers and reshaping industries.

✨ Progress in Action: More companies are investing in mentorship programs, board diversity, and executive training to continue this momentum.

2. Closing the Care Gap

Women have long been disproportionately responsible for unpaid caregiving, but policies are finally starting to reflect the value of caregiving roles. More companies are offering paid parental leave, flexible work policies, and caregiving benefits.

✨ Progress in Action: Governments and businesses are investing in subsidized childcare, paid family leave, and policies that support working parents.

3. More Women-Owned Businesses & Investments

Women are starting businesses at record rates, and more funding is finally flowing into female-led ventures. Programs like @hellosunshine, @heymamainbiz, and @IFundWomen are connecting women with funding, mentorship, and scaling opportunities.

✨ Progress in Action: Female entrepreneurs are not only launching businesses but also gaining more access to venture capital and government grants.

4. Shifting Cultural Norms Around Motherhood & Work-Life Balance

The traditional “supermom” expectation is evolving, with more women redefining balance on their own terms. The rise of hybrid work, flexible schedules, and more conversations about burnout are helping shift the narrative around what it means to be a working mom.

✨ Progress in Action: More companies are embracing family-first policies, paid mental health days, and better work-life integration strategies.

5. A Focus on Women’s Health & Reproductive Rights

For too long, issues like endometriosis, menopause, and maternal health were underfunded and overlooked. We’re seeing increased research, funding, and policy changes to better support women’s unique health needs.

✨ Progress in Action: More companies are introducing menopause benefits, paid family leave, and fertility treatments as part of their employee healthcare packages.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!

While we celebrate these wins, the fight for equality isn’t over. Every conversation, investment, and policy shift matters. This International Women’s Day, share your favorite win or how you’re celebrating by tagging @momshineco! Let’s continue to uplift and empower each other.

by Alicia

How to Talk to Kids About World Events: A Parent's Guide

I grew up watching the Today Show with my parents in the morning. Now, I’m scared to turn on the news with my kids in the room. Horrific scenes can pop up before you know it, and even during sports, ads for violent movies and video games seem endless.

At the Grammys, I watched my kids tear up as they saw LA families evacuating their prized possessions during the fires—raising money for those in need. It’s hard not to wonder how this affects their own fears, especially when active shooter drills have become the norm at school.

According to Nemours KidsHealth, “The average American child will see 200,000 violent acts on TV by age 18. Many of these are done by the 'good guys,' whom kids are taught to admire.” This can blur the lines between right and wrong. As I raise a boy, I see the impact of his TV-watching almost instantly in his behavior.

So, I wanted to research ways to help kids process world events and the media’s bias toward conflict. My hope? To lay the groundwork for thoughtful conversations and healthy media habits as they grow.

Understanding How Children Process World Events

Children's comprehension of world events varies by age, and their reactions can differ accordingly. Recognizing these developmental stages can help tailor discussions to their needs.

My Personal Experience

After a recent surgery, my 3.5-year-old son started acting out more. His routine changed, and one parent was “down for the count.” He may have been worried but didn’t have the words to express it.

For my older kids, I look at physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches) and emotional shifts (withdrawal or increased sensitivity). Answering their questions thoughtfully is key.

Before You Start: Parent Prep Guide

Before diving into these conversations, it’s important to check in on yourself first.

• Manage Your Own Anxiety: Kids pick up on our emotions—including political viewpoints. Mine can tell you who each parent voted for just from listening at home!
• Choose a Safe Environment: The calmer we are, the safer our kids feel. Approaching conversations with curiosity instead of fear makes a difference.
• Gather Age-Appropriate Resources: Picture books work well for younger kids, while older kids benefit from well-vetted articles.
• Find the Right Time: My “power hour” is after dinner and playtime—a calm moment when they’re most receptive. Pausing a game or show also works well.

And when in doubt? Turn off the news if it’s trending too negative—it helps everyone’s mood.

Age-Appropriate Conversation Starters

Reaching your kid on their level is key, so they can understand and process the information. Here are some basic guidelines that could be helpful.

Ages 2-5

• Keep It Simple: For young kids, using straightforward language can help. “There was a big fire, but many helpers are working to keep everyone safe.”
• Use Picture Books: Trinka and Sam: The Big Fire (available as free PDF and on YouTube).
• Highlight the Helpers: Police officers, firefighters, doctors—those are the real superheroes!

Ages 6-11

• Ask What They’ve Heard: “What do you know about the fires?”
• Address Misconceptions: Kids often fill in the blanks with their own fears—gently correct misinformation.
• Use Maps & Visuals: Showing where events happen provides context.

Ages 12+

• Encourage Critical Thinking: “Why do you think this happened? What could help?”
• Discuss Media Literacy: Explain how algorithms work—why YouTube & TikTok may not always be reliable news sources.
• Explore Solutions Together: “What could we do to help?” This builds empathy and action.

Expert-Backed Strategies for Difficult Conversations

One of the best parenting tools? Time.

Dr. Daniel Amen frequently shares on social media that spending just 15-20 minutes of undistracted time with your child (letting them lead the conversation) is one of the best things a parent can do.

The reality? Many parents only spend about 7 minutes of 1:1 time per week with each child. That dedicated time reduces jealousy, anxiety, and behavior issues significantly.

• Active Listening: Repeat what they say to show understanding.
• Validate Their Feelings: “It’s okay to feel scared. A lot of people do during big events.”
• Balance Honesty with Hope: Share facts without fueling fear.
• Know When to Get Help: If anxiety interferes with daily life, professional support can be a game-changer.

Actionable Ways to Help Kids Feel Empowered

Feeling helpless is one of the biggest sources of anxiety. Giving kids a sense of action helps. 

For younger kids, this could be dropping off thank you cards at your local fire station, or for older kids, participating in community events is a great way to get involved and feel empowered. 

Family projects make a big difference, too. Help clean up the beach events, and look for organizations where you can help with packages for those displaced by natural disasters. Planting trees together and engaging in community events while you travel can also make a big difference.

Managing Media Exposure

Controlling the flow of information helps prevent overwhelm.

• Screen Time Guidelines: Set limits on news consumption and ensure age-appropriate content.
• Choosing News Sources: Opt for child-friendly news outlets that present information calmly and factually.
• Social Media Considerations: Monitor older children's social media use and discuss the potential for misinformation.

Our family-friendly tech contract can significantly help any family new to maneuvering these conversations.

Creating Ongoing Dialogue

Maintaining open lines of communication fosters trust and resilience.

• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule routine discussions to address any new concerns or questions.
• Family Meetings: Create a safe space where each family member can share their thoughts and feelings.
• Teach Resilience: Help kids focus on solutions, not fear.

Additional Resources:

• PBS KIDS: Talking to Young Children About Wildfires
• National Association of School Psychologists: Helping Children After a Wildfire

By approaching these conversations with care and understanding, we can help our children navigate the world's complexities with confidence and resilience.

Final Thought: We can’t shield our kids from everything, but we can help them process, understand, and feel empowered.

by Alicia

Ski Lessons & Parenting: What My Third Child Taught Me

After over a decade of parenting, I’ve learned that it ebbs and flows. But teaching my third child to ski? It was different. I enjoyed it more. I felt stronger and more confident. And I savored every minute with my little guy.

When I taught my first, I had been snowboarding for over 20 years. I wasn’t even sure I could remember how to ski, and that was nearly a decade before. Now, I mostly ski, and in the past few years, I’ve built my confidence. Strength training has made a difference, and this time, I fully enjoyed the experience.

As I reflected on this past ski week with my kiddos, here’s what teaching my third to ski has taught me about parenting.

Ski Parenting Lesson #1: Embrace the Falls—Growth Happens Outside of Comfort Zones

You never know if you are pushing a little too much, but if you aren’t, then you’re not trying hard enough. I loved every minute of taking my son up the bigger runs so he could see the animals in the adventure park and take advantage of his fearlessness. But then, out of nowhere, he caught an edge and fell hard. I maneuvered my skis over him, and he was upset, covered in snow.

Instead of focusing on the fall, we embraced and talked about how falls are part of learning. With my first, I would have avoided these moments, but now I see them as necessary growth experiences. One tumble over the course of 90 minutes didn’t define our day—our wins did.

Pro Tip: Listen to Ep 212: Mindful Mom Revolution—How You Can Rewire the Brain for Better Health.

Ski Parenting Lesson #2: Embrace Help—Outside Instruction Can Break Through Barriers

Even though I’ve taught two other kids to ski, my experience has shown me that my children behave differently for someone else. I hit a standstill with my third when it came to getting him to ski independently. But after a private lesson with an instructor, something clicked—he was ready to stop clinging to my legs.

The truth is, we can push our kids only so far before outside help is needed. And that’s okay. It’s good for them to learn from others, and it gives me time to enjoy my own turns. Parenting is about knowing when to step in and when to step back.

Pro Tip: Listen to Ep 217: The Superpower of Perseverance—Serena & Lily co-founder Lily Kanter shares how she leaned on her village to raise her three kids.

Ski Parenting Lesson #3: Give Kids Autonomy—Children Thrive with Guided Independence

My middle child, who I usually hover over, is finding her stride in skiing—especially when I step back and let her choose her own way down the mountain. Family ski days require coordination, but I’ve learned that letting my kids go their own way or splitting up is part of the experience.

Now, I trust that my older two will find the best path for themselves. It’s a delicate dance of stepping in and backing off, and I’ve realized that letting them navigate on their own—even if they fall—helps them grow. More often than not, the worst-case scenario we imagine is far worse than reality.

Pro Tip: Listen to Ep 318: BabyQuip’s Mother-Son Founding Duo—How delegating leadership to her son helped their multi-million-dollar family business thrive. You can also read up on what I learned at Parent School, which is that letting go of control helps to build on kids’ self-esteem.

Ski Parenting Lesson #4: Physical and Mental Preparation Matters

Strength training as we get older gets more and more important. Without strength training, we can lose up to 30% of muscle mass between 50 and 70, and on average, we lose 3-5% per decade after 30. It takes concentrated effort to maintain muscle, which builds our endurance and helps to mitigate the natural evolution we might be feeling. I used to struggle for energy down a run, and now my energy is as endless as my kids. Moms, grab those weight vests, get your steps in, and work to lift as heavy of weights as your body can handle weekly.

Pro Tip: I’ve broken down my favorite moves for 20 minutes of movement if that’s all you’ve got in a given day, and Peloton can also tailor to the time you have available for a quick class.

Confident Kids Require Sturdy Leaders

I’ll be honest—most of parenting has felt like winging it. I’ve taken what I loved from my own childhood and worked to rewrite what I didn’t. But by my third child, I finally feel like I’m hitting my stride. Accepting that there is no perfect formula—and embracing both the highs and lows—has been a game-changer. An attitude of gratitude also pays in spades.

To learn more about how to shine in parenting and in life—tune into our show, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know.

by Alicia

The BabyQuip Family Business Playbook: 4 Lessons from a Mother-Son Duo

What happens when you combine family values with a sharp business strategy? You get BabyQuip, the multi-million dollar baby gear rental marketplace built by Fran and Joe Maier—a powerhouse mother-son team redefining what it means to thrive in the family business.

Running a business with family isn’t always easy, but Fran and Joe prove that balancing family and business isn’t just possible—it can be a competitive advantage.

In our latest MomShine episode, they shared their playbook for success and what it takes to make a family-run business thrive in today’s economy. Here’s what we learned from their journey—and how these lessons apply to business, as well as in parenting and leadership.

Why Family Businesses Are Thriving Today

Family businesses aren’t just sentimental success stories—they’re the backbone of the economy. Studies show that family businesses account for 64% of the U.S. GDP and employ 62% of the workforce. Consumers are more likely to trust family-owned businesses. They’re also more adaptable and resilient as businesses. 

BabyQuip is a perfect example of this—a mother and son leveraging their strengths, trusting each other, and innovating together to serve families needing high-quality, safe baby gear rentals while traveling.

Family Business Lesson #1: Establish Clear Boundaries

One of the biggest challenges in family businesses? Separating family roles from professional roles.

For Fran and Joe, it was as simple as not referring to one another as "Mom" and "Joey" in the workplace. Setting professional ground rules helped them communicate as business partners rather than falling into parent-child dynamics. They also consciously try not to mix work talk at personal or family events.

Why this matters:

• Boundaries = professionalism. 
• Employees take leadership more seriously when there’s professional respect in family businesses.

Pro Tip: If you’re in business with family, set simple rules like no work talk during personal family events and align on business roles to avoid tension.

Family Business Lesson #2: Align on Values to Shape the Company Culture

Trust, safety, and integrity aren’t just buzzwords at BabyQuip—they’re at the heart of everything they do.

Fran, who helped build trust and safety at Match.com, knew that creating a secure and reliable experience for parents would be key to BabyQuip’s success. Joe integrated those values into every aspect of the business, from branding and marketing to how they select and care for quality providers. For instance, during COVID, they offered providers an integrated cleaning service to show them they were looking out for them during this time. 

Why Values Matter in Family Business

• 88% of customers say brand trust is the most important factor in purchasing.
• Companies with a growth mindset are 34% more likely to have a strong sense of ownership in the company. 

BabyQuip has built a business around helping parents feel confident that their baby gear rentals are safe, clean, and high-quality—something that keeps families coming back.

Pro Tip: Whether in business or at home, leading with clear values builds trust and consistency—something both customers and kids need.

Family Business Lesson #3: There’s No Room for Micromanagement

Just like your kids stop listening when you ask them to clean their room a million times, the same applies when working with family.

It’s tempting to micromanage in family businesses—but trusting each other to take ownership leads to real success.

Fran empowered Joe to take the lead on major business decisions, from rebranding the company to redesigning the website and implementing new tech-driven strategies. Instead of hovering over every detail, she let him lead, which paid off.

Why Trusting Others Works

• Delegation can 3X your business growth. 
• Micromanaging kills creativity, motivation and reduces productivity.

Pro Tip: Whether in business or parenting, giving others the freedom to take ownership allows them to develop confidence and leadership skills.

Family Business Lesson #4: Innovation is Everything

Successful family businesses don’t just survive—they evolve.

From expanding into new product categories like beach gear to forming strategic partnerships, Fran and Joe have continuously adapted BabyQuip to serve modern families better.

Why Innovation is Key

• 70% of family businesses fail to survive past the second generation—often due to a lack of innovation.
• Businesses that regularly innovate are more likely to succeed.

By embracing new technology, partnerships, and market trends, BabyQuip has continued to stay ahead of the competition—proving that family businesses must evolve to remain successful.

Pro Tip: Always be thinking about what’s next—whether it’s in business or helping your kids develop new skills and interests.

What If We Applied These Lessons at Home?

The lessons from Fran and Joe’s business success apply far beyond the workplace. As parents, we can help our kids become leaders by:

• Setting clear boundaries so they learn independence.
• Teaching them strong values so they grow with integrity.
• Trusting them to take ownership instead of micromanaging.
• Encouraging innovation so they can adapt and grow in a changing world.

As moms, we often want to do everything for our kids—but real leadership starts when we step back and let them shine.

Listen & Get $20 Off BabyQuip!

Listen to the full episode to learn more from Fran and Joe’s inspiring journey!

Traveling soon? BabyQuip is offering $20 off your next baby gear rental of $100+ with the code MomShine20 at checkout.

by Alicia