Top 15 Posts of 2016 :: Real Moms, Real Stories

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2016 was quite the year! This is in large part due to our Network of Sister Sites across the country publishing thousands of articles by moms, for moms along with their amazing readers and followers.

Every keystroke from City Moms Blog Network and our Sister Sites has one common goal – to connect moms through stories from moms, for moms. 

Some stories are funny, some are helpful and some will move you to tears, but every story has a mom behind it who is sharing her motherhood journey with you. Below we have compiled the top 15 posts of 2016 from across our Sister Sites… happy reading!

This Stage of Life? It’s Hard.

From Austin Moms Blog

This stage of life. It’s hard, you guys. I’m talking right now to you moms who are in your early to mid 30’s. You have kids. Likely two, three, maybe four of them. They probably range in age from newborns to 7 or 8 year-olds. (Give or take a few, on all of the above mentioned stats).

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It’s Hard For Them, Too

From Boston Moms Blog

As a therapist, I often try to imagine what life is like for young children. If I want to find a solution to difficult behavior, I first have to try to understand it. And each time I put myself in the shoes of a young child I come to the same conclusion: Not a single one of us adults could cope with the things they have to cope with.

From A Mom With Too Much Stuff

From Chattanooga Moms Blog

We have too much. We have so much that my kids stand in a room filled with toys and can’t figure out what to play with. Heck, I stand in their rooms filled with stuff and can’t figure out what they should play with. There are too many choices!

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Tomorrow I Will Do Better

From Twin Cities Moms Blog

Tomorrow offers hope. A clean slate. Another chance to be the kind of mom I want to so badly be. Tonight my heart is heavy. It’s sad, beat up and full of regret. Lately I feel like every day I’m fighting battles. All. Day. Long.

Can I Be Honest? Sometimes, I Get Jealous

From Madison Moms Blog

I guess I just wanted to let you know that I see you, and I recognize the sacrifices you’re making for your family. It’s easy for me to focus on the highlights of your life—the things I’m personally missing out on—but I know that’s not the full picture.

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Show & Tell Ideas from A to Z

From Alamo City Moms Blog

When I reflect back on my own days as a preschooler, Kindergartener, and elementary school student, I remember “Show & Tell” as a fun, personalized activity—which occurred only a few times a year. I don’t recall any rules in regard to the items we selected to bring in…

6 Ways To Increase Your Milk Supply

From Columbia SC Moms Blog

It happened to me. I woke up one morning when my son was almost 8 months old and I was completely empty. Not an ounce of milk. “How can that be? I have nursed him since day one! He has always been able to nurse … now what?”

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Dear Teachers: You’re Not Fooling Me

From Alamo City Moms Blog

I see that you’re dressed in your nicest outfit, which I have no doubt you carefully planned and possibly changed a time or two. Your makeup is fresh, and every hair on your head is perfectly placed. Your smile is beyond inviting, and I almost blush as I walk into your room.

10 Signs You Have Found The Grail of Neighbors

From Houston Moms Blog

Over the last 10 years, my husband and I have lived in 8 different neighborhoods. Some were fancy, others modest; some were bustling, others quiet; some were friendly, others… not so much. But when the right neighborhood and, more importantly, the right neighbors came along, we stayed.

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Why I Love My Husband MORE THAN My Kids!

From Austin Moms Blog

Before we begin, I adore my kids. If my husband is my #1, there is no question that they are my #1.25, #1.5, and #1.75. One day I’ll write another article titled “Why I Love My 3 Sons More Than Everyone Else EXCEPT FOR My Husband”. Ok?!?

The Days Are Long

From Fort Worth Moms Blog

It’s hard for me to remember life before my sweet Sammie was here. I had 529 days with her. Thankfully those days were long, and I’m so grateful for that. Days when her adorable smile and pure innocence made this world a better place.

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It’s Football Season — Hug The Coach’s Wife

From Dallas Moms Blog

If you see a coach’s wife this fall, give her a hug, a high five, maybe buy her a latte. If she’s your friend or family, give her lots of grace and maybe offer to watch her kids on a Saturday morning for her or offer to join her at a game. She doesn’t get much socializing time outside of Friday nights.

The Rise of the Lawnmower Parent

From Pittsburgh Moms Blog

As parents, we will inevitably watch our kids struggle, feel uncomfortable and even fail. As painful as that can be, you aren’t doing your child any favors by trying to shield her from this part of life or solve her problems for her. Instead, give her opportunities to learn strength and self-confidence, so she can handle future challenges with grace.

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Why We Don’t Keep Secrets In Our House

From Denver Metro Moms Blog

About a month ago, our family was having dinner with some friends at their house. I walked into the kitchen just as the other mom, while winking at me, handed my son a second cookie and whispered, “shhhh. It’s a secret. Don’t tell your mom.” To my delight {and surprise}, my son exclaimed, “Oooooh, but we don’t keep secrets in our house.”

It’s Not Your Baby: Setting Boundaries with Loved Ones

From New Orleans Moms Blog

We love you. We know you love our children and we are thankful for that. We want you to be close to them. We want you to have a good relationship with our child(ren). But we need to talk about boundaries. It is a difficult subject because it is unlikely that you mean any harm, though some of you undoubtedly do, and we do not want to come across as ungrateful, whiny brats.

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Thank you to all our readers and followers who made 2016 so amazing! Here's to 2017...