meet karen
I know it feels like other moms have everything figured out.
They have all the time in the world – splashing photos of happy, busy, high achieving, high cheek-bone children across your newsfeed. Every. Single. Day.
But guess what? They don’t have it all figured out. And you don’t have to either.
Let’s learn to minimize the chaos and repair what goes sideways!
Who Are You????
Welcome, I’m Karen.
I’m a former civil rights attorney turned stay at home mom to two amazing boys who deserve the best mom that I can be. Realizing that made me take a hard look at how I was raised; what were the values I wanted to pass down; and whether I needed to do some work on myself. Spoler Alert: Yes I did. A lot.
My boys were my “why.” I discovered something huge called “emotional intelligence” which has been shown to be a greater predictor of success than IQ. Hint: I was lacking.
I learned the skills behind effective and compassionate communication. Wait. You’re saying I can’t just say whatever little wicked little hobgoblin darts into my mind????
I also studied the latest neuroscience and child development research. This was super nerdy and super fun! But I also realized that sometimes my expectations for my children were not developmentally appropriate. (So, duh. That’s why they weren’t cooperating!)
So, now I’m a passionate advocate for intentional parenting and teaching as many moms as I can how to use the skills of intentional parenting to transform your family time into the loving, empathetic and deeply connected experience you’ve always wanted.
I want to help you straight up love your family even more. Because you deserve nothing less.
“What is this place?”
The internet is filled with opinions from every Sally, Jane, and Mary about how to parent your child. There are too many ridiculous takes from people who don’t have kids, TikToks that prime the mama pump for guilt and shame, and reels that say if you’re not doing it perfectly, you’re doing it wrong.
But at Grass Roots Parenting, we are cutting through the noise. And we’re creating something that will resonate beyond your next doom scroll sesh and far into the future.
We created Grass Roots Parenting to share our values-centric parenting approach based on deep connections, emotional intelligence, compassionate communication, and scientific research.
And, don’t worry, our approach is totally grounded in the reality of what it’s like to raise tweens and teens in today’s upside-down world. We also get that your tween probably just grunted and rolled her eyes for the fifth time today.
What sets us apart is our belief that this kind of parenting is activism. We show moms how to align thousands of everyday choices with their most deeply held values. So the work moms do at the kitchen table becomes work that changes the world.
Have you ever lost sleep wondering, “Did I screw it up? Did I miss my chance to fix things?”
Let me assure you, you haven’t.
You’re right on time. And we’re here to walk with you.
“Why should I care?”
You don’t have to. But, if you could use a little more calm and connection in your day, all you need is here. No more waiting to exhale!
quiz
Discover Your Mama Superpower!
Every mama’s got a superpower. (In addition to finding all the lost things that everyone else somehow can’t see.)
Take this 3-minute quiz to uncover yours—PLUS get your personalized next best step so you can make it through dinner without getting the side-eye. ?
we all have quirks
10 Delightfully Random Revelations About Yours Truly
- I love outdoors and enjoy its peace-giving qualities. And I’m always encouraging my boys to play outside. Being outside releases my anxiety. Unless it’s too hot. Or too cold. Or too wet or too dirty. Or too primative. Or just too dog-gone “nature-y.” Because hot, cold, wet, dirty and primative just make me nervous… I love me some nature, but it should be organized and controlled;
- I’m a huge nerd and I love going full Sherlock on anything I’m interested in;
- Speaking of Sherlock, my last tv binge was Elementary;
- Essential oils are waaaaay better than the doctor’s office;
- I love books – especially gorgeously illustrated, thoughtful, engaging children’s books;
- I secretly dream of a play date with 100 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies!
- I’m a recovering litigator (although I sometimes still cross-examine my kids) who retains my passion for social justice, and I talk to my boys about social justice issues – all. the. time. Just ask them.
- My teens are only minimally on social media. And they don’t hate me for it!
- I zealously guard the number of forks that I am willing to give to just about anything;
- I’m a true hippie at heart ♥️
“I needed this… I couldn’t finish reading I was engulfed in tears.. you know exactly how my life is without even speaking with me… your truly a blessing and I thank you for writing this. Stay strong.”
Amy.
“Bless you for writing this, such a simple yet powerful lesson. I promise to try to remember it and do as you did – be present with my son when he needs it most.”
Andrea.
here’s what else i know…
pssst! it’s about you!
- People think you are one of those “other” moms who has “it” all together.
- You’re tired. Tired of backtalk, mood swings, eye-rolls, and the endless scrolling and one-word answers.
- You miss your little kid and the closeness you felt. You’re exhausted from always walking on egg shells. In short, you’re wondering if you’ve totally failed.
- You’ re worried about your child’s future. They can hardly even pick up their clothes for God’s sakes.
- You’re a better mom than you think you are.
If this sounds like you, we’re going to get along great!