My Momish Moments

THE DIARY OF A BONUS MOM

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my momish moments, diary of a bonus mom

"I didn't give you the gift of life, but life gave me the gift of you."

LATEST MOM HACKS:

fun things to do with kids during COVID-19
April 9, 2020

19 Fun Things To Do With Kids During Quarantine

COVID-19 is challenging and scary, but let's make this time at home memorable! Here are fun things to do...

by Marisa Donnelly
ways to help ease your child's anxiety
April 9, 2020

9 Ways To Ease Your Child’s Anxiety During COVID-19

Children cope and process in different ways. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to help ease your...

by Marisa Donnelly
online learning
April 1, 2020

5 Tips For Parents Navigating Online Learning

Parents are now supporting a household, creating daily routines, and navigating online learning. It's overwhelming. But please remember you're...

by Marisa Donnelly
best movies to watch with your kids and add more screen time
March 24, 2020

Why You Should Add More Screen Time to Your Schedule

It’s important for YOU, as a parent, to add more screen time to your schedule too...that is, more screen...

by Stasi McAteer

See More:

FROM THE HEART:

dear mom stop with the mom guilt you are doing great

Dear Mama: Stop With The ‘Mom Guilt’

by Marisa Donnelly

Being a good mom doesn't mean constantly living with mom guilt. Being a good mom is about loving yourself, even if (and inevitably when) you're imperfect.

March 11, 2020
From The Heart
being the second wife doesn't make you any less

On Being The Second Wife

by Marisa Donnelly

As the second wife, I am not the second choice — I am the second chance.

March 10, 2020
From The Heart
happy family loving a dad and his son

5 Things I’ve Learned Loving A Dad And His Son

by Marisa Donnelly

I am a bonus mom to my boyfriend's son and frequently share about our journey. Here are five things I've learned in loving a dad and his son.

January 5, 2020
From The Heart, Parenting Stories
My Bonus Mom Story

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Our Unfiltered Life:

Time flies.💔⠀ Time flies.💔⠀
Just a quick reminder: Sometimes they eat all orga Just a quick reminder: Sometimes they eat all organic foods... and sometimes they gobble up hot Taki's like it's nobody's business.⠀ ⠀ And neither of those things are a measure of your worth. 💞⠀
Hey #bonusparents + #stepparents — I just want t Hey #bonusparents + #stepparents — I just want to say that I see you. I know your struggle. And although sometimes your life will feel like a never-ending, thankless job, what you are doing is VALUABLE. ⠀ ⠀ You are making a difference in the life of your child(ren) and even if it's not recognized or appreciated right now, you are building something beautiful. You are worthy. You are strong. You are incredible. Don't give up, okay? 💗
One of the things that has been infinitely valuabl One of the things that has been infinitely valuable for me (and my sanity 😛) this summer was finding a family with whom I could align. This family of three kids was looking for a nanny + tutor. I was looking for a safe + supportive community to bring my son around.⠀ ⠀ We've built a relationship where I get to spend time with their kids AND my kid. They get their work done; I make some extra money. Everyone's learning. Everyone's reading aloud. Everyone's riding bikes in the street. And everyone feels loved.⠀ ⠀ Having a community of people you can trust and rely on is EVERYTHING. I never knew how isolating becoming a mom could be, and how hard it would be to juggle all of the changes and schedules without outside support. If I have one word of advice for new parents, #stepparents or #bonusparents it would be to open your heart + your circle. Friendship and relationships are so valuable.⠀ ⠀ PS: Have you played Bananagrams? ⠀ I'm earning my bragging rights on this game! 😄⠀
I'm a teacher + #bonusmom with a passion for advoc I'm a teacher + #bonusmom with a passion for advocacy, especially for those with learning disabilities. I believe in creative play. I believe in imagination. And I believe in using technology for good, but also learning to turn it off and focus on the moment.⠀ ⠀ Because of the different hats I wear, I'm continually thinking about how these parts of my life intersect. As a #teachermom, I feel such a personal responsibility to teach my boyfriend's son how to think for himself, how to shine his own light in the world, and how to do his 'work' by exploring, asking questions, and understanding how he can battle his #dysexia in both the classroom and everyday life.⠀ ⠀ Sometimes we discourage children from 'messing around' because it's distracting from their schoolwork, from their chores, or perhaps because it's even getting them into trouble. But there's an element of value to play — it helps us to think independently, work with others, and to grow.⠀ ⠀ What #creativeplay activities does your child do? What are challenges you're facing getting your child off of technology and more focused on his/her imagination?⠀ ⠀ Share with me ↓⠀
As a #bonusmom I've had such an interesting 'mothe As a #bonusmom I've had such an interesting 'motherhood' journey. When I talk to biological parents, they share about the beauty of giving birth, of holding their little one(s) in their arms, of the bond that's formed so easily, so naturally.⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ With this little dude, I didn't have those special birth moments, those younger years of getting to really know one another and being there for all the little and big milestones — the first steps, first scraped knee, first lost baby tooth, first day of kindergarten.⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ But every time I see this little dude my heart swells.⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ There was never a question in my mind of whether he was someone I could love. The best way I can explain it, is that I just knew. I knew I could love him as my own. And as we got closer, and life got more complicated, and I became his bonus 'mama,' it's never been a question of who he is or what he means to me: he's my son.⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ It's as simple as that.⠀⠀ ______⠀
Hey you. This is just a little reminder: You are Hey you. This is just a little reminder: You are doing an amazing job. 🙌⠀
What is one of the most valuable things you've eve What is one of the most valuable things you've ever received? For me, it's nothing of monetary value: it's the handwritten notes, the unexpected cards, the thoughtful messages that simply say, "We love you," "We value you." ❤️⠀
This is for every #stepparent or #bonusparent who This is for every #stepparent or #bonusparent who feels displaced with the pandemic, who is at odds with other family members, who is mentally struggling, who feels like 'less' because you're not the biological or 'real' parent — you are family.⠀ ⠀ No one can take that title from you. #momish⠀
#ThoughtsFromAMomma — Quarantine has shifted so #ThoughtsFromAMomma — Quarantine has shifted so much, hasn't it? For parents, we have been navigating work and family time, online learning and screen time, school work and discipline, meal-making and self-care (and the list goes on).⠀ ⠀ It's a lot. It's more than a lot. But the amazing thing about parents is that we're resilient (and so are our children). ⠀ ⠀ Although these past months have been challenging, hopefully you can find ways to build bonding amidst the schedule shifts. 💗⠀ ⠀ If you're like me, and have a kiddo who's obsessed with #videogames, here are a few ideas to get your kids off the screen OR to enjoy #screentimetogether. . . 🎥: @othentikproductions
THIS is what inclusion looks like. 💗 ⠀ ⠀ "A THIS is what inclusion looks like. 💗 ⠀ ⠀ "Almost six years ago, I registered for my teaching license. I was driven and passionate about helping my students learn and grow in the areas of English, Language Arts, & Reading. Little did I know that this passion would soon morph into creating my own tutoring business, and then into a role as both a part-time teacher and Assistant Director at a school dedicated to specialized learning.⠀ ⠀ Then, my passion shifted again, as I fell in love with a man and his son. His son has dyslexia, and for years, struggled in school. My teaching background was never in special education, but I quickly learned the roles, learned how to advocate, and learned what inclusion really means. I'm now, above all else, passionate about helping other struggling readers understand that they are CAPABLE, WORTHY, and STRONG.⠀ ⠀ And they deserve to be included and taught in the way they learn best.⠀ ⠀ Whether you're a special needs parent, an advocate, a teacher, or someone who's simply passionate about helping #SPED students succeed, I hope you'll join me in raising awareness for inclusive practices and inspiring our students to new heights."⠀ ⠀ — #MomishMoments Founder, @_marisadonnelly⠀
Welcome to #MomishMoments ❤️ — We are a plat Welcome to #MomishMoments ❤️ — We are a platform and community dedicated to encouraging and supporting bonus parents, stepparents, and blended families and all of their unique stories.⠀ ⠀ We started because our founder, @_marisadonnelly became a #bonusmom when she met her boyfriend and his son. Saying 'yes' and diving into this journey with the two of them inspired her to find and create content that would resonate with others in her shoes, especially because she struggled to find connections and genuine advice online.⠀ ⠀ Momish Moments is for mothers, yes, but it's also for everyone. It's for the stepfather who feels lost, for the biological mom who faces judgment for having a child out of wedlock, for the child navigating his or her own family journey, and everyone in-between.⠀ ⠀ We hope that you feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged here. And we hope you'll leave your mark by sharing your name below, by sending us a post that we can re-share with our community, and by submitting your writing to our page. We are all in this together. #momish⠀ ⠀ 📷: @othentikproductions | @israelpalacio⠀ #momishmoments
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DAILY MOTHERHOOD QUOTE:

"I thought I knew all the boundaries of myself, that I understood the limits of my heart. It’s extraordinary to have all those limits thrown out, to realize your love is inexhaustible."

Uma Thurman
happy kid smiling between parents

NAVIGATING SPECIAL NEEDS:

Homeschool Tips From A Mom Who’s Been In The Game Long Before COVID-19Having made the switch to homeschooling in 2014, my hope is to provide homeschool...April 15, 2020

7 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts For Kids With AutismFinding the right gifts for kids with Autism means understanding the child's unique needs...December 21, 2019

5 Things I Wish People Knew About My Son’s DyslexiaDyslexia is a silent learning disability. It’s not something you can clearly see or...November 16, 2019

SAN DIEGO, TRAVEL + LIFESTYLE:

ways to help ease your child's anxiety
Health/Wellness, Mom Hacks

9 Ways To Ease Your Child’s Anxiety During COVID-19

Children cope and process in different ways. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to help ease your child's anxiety during the quarantine.

April 9, 2020
must-see San Diego Halloween haunts
San Diego

Mom’s Night Out: 3 Must-See San Diego Halloween Haunts

The Disturbance, a three-part scare, is definitely one of the must-see San Diego Halloween haunts for your next mom’s night out.

October 25, 2019
happy girl holding younger child by palm trees
Mom Hacks, San Diego, Travel

Mama On A Budget: 12 Ways To Save Money In The City

If you’re looking to get the max out of your time while being conservative with your wallet, here are 12 tips to help you save money in the city.

July 2, 2019
mom posing in front of all-natural eczema products by Keller Works
Health/Wellness

4 All-Natural Eczema Products For Mamas And Their Little Ones

This mama, beauty boss, and founder of Keller Works, Krystn Keller, created organic, non-toxic, all-natural eczema products to soothe her son's severe skin.

May 7, 2019
kid swinging upside-down on playground
San Diego

8 Best Playgrounds In San Diego

From setting up a picnic lunch, to playing a pickup game of soccer, to watching the sunset from the monkey bars, here are the best playgrounds in San Diego.

April 30, 2019

“Little souls find their way to you, whether they're from your womb, or someone else's."

Sheryl Crow

ABOUT US:

We are a website, community, blog, and resource base for parents — both bio and bonus — to learn, grow, and celebrate the beautiful craziness of raising kids.

Click here to learn more.

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THE DIARY OF A BONUS MOM