The Parentologist

01/12/2026

I am five days post op and have been recovering very well, and between resting breaks, I am working, because folks, when you are a small business owner, the show must go on!

And to be honest, planning a digital media retreat with my two co-host friends and .justine doesn’t feel like work (although we have been working very hard behind the scenes!) I am excited to remind you that we are hosting our 4th Annual Magical Media Retreat this March 6-7 at the Knotts Hotel in Southern California.

Women attend from all over the country and we have the best time connecting and cultivating supportive friendships, learning all about the industry from multiple guest speakers, including our keynote this year and having a park day at together (ticket is included with registration). We will share meals together (many of them included with your ticket), get new headshots from and a curated gift bag with items from amazing sponsors.

If you are a new or seasoned blogger, creator, small business owner, podcaster, author, etc, this retreat is for you!!!

AND we are giving away a free ticket this week (see my stories for details). Comment MAGIC and I’ll DM you the registration link with more details (or link in bio).

01/06/2026

To keep or not keep my ovaries, that is the question. 🥺

Today is the last day I’ll ever have a uterus. I can’t believe I’m saying that and it’s an intense realization. I have emotionally and mentally struggled with this for months, but I am finally at some peace with it, especially for my health, and to alleviate all of the symptoms associated with the large fibroid living inside of it right now.

Emotions aside, here is my dilemma - it’s my choice on whether or not I keep my ovaries - and my surgery is in 24 hours and I have no idea what to do.

I thought I was decided and then I woke up this morning and panicked. One doctor has recommended I keep at least one o***y, one doctor recommended I take them both out and go on a hormone patch, and one doctor concluded it’s not better or worse either way at this point after reviewing my options at depth (based on my age, medical history, risks, etc) and it’s completely my choice.

As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I’m terrified of ovarian cancer, even though I have no predetermined risk, but on the other hand, I am equally as terrified to abruptly shock my body into immediate menopause prematurely.

I’ve been thoroughly researching the best option and speaking to multiple doctors, but with all things considered it’s 50/50 in the pros and cons department. I’m not in denial that my natural hormones have been problematic and irregular my entire life so I’m not sure what good it would be for me to keep them, but they would at least have some natural benefit and menopause would be more gradual for many years to come. But then, with my cancer history, I’d worry about my ovaries failing me. Menopause isn’t far away so maybe it’s just better to have peace of mind.

I normally wouldn’t share something this personal, but I’m at a crossroads and not only is it an emotional and mental struggle, it’s the biggest physical health decision I’ve ever had to make and I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts based on their own experiences, if you’ve been in a similar situation. If you haven’t been through something like this, please feel free to just leave some encouragement.

01/01/2026

Happy 2026!!! 🪩🎊🎉 I am excited and hopeful about this year for a multitude of reasons, one of those is my book that will be out in the spring, another is a milestone birthday that I’ll be celebrating two days after my book is released. 🥳 My book is basically my birthday present to myself this year - but first I have to get through my big surgery next week. So who’s ready for the next chapter? (Pun intended) 😆 I hope your ready, because this year there will be a lot of book spamming and also a ton of play-based parenting content coming your way, more than ever before!! P.S. This may be the best photo ever created of me, too bad it’s not real. 😆 Photo created by AI.

12/31/2025

Happy New Year’s Eve!!! 🥳🪩 I am beyond excited to share a BIG BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT coming soon!!! In the meantime, have a wonderful, safe, and responsible NYE. I am currently sitting at my computer making the final edits on the interior copy of my book manuscript. I can’t wait to share more of my book with you in the new year! 📖 Who’s watching the ball drop in NYC tonight? 🙋🏼‍♀️ *Image created by AI #2026

12/29/2025

My favorite ornament this year.🎄 My family gave this to me as a gift and it makes me smile every time I see it. I am sad to bring it down and pack it away soon, but the second it becomes 2026, my book dream finally becomes a reality and then it’s only months away from being on bookshelves!

But before I can promote and celebrate, I have to have my big surgery first. I’m about 10 days out and it’s my main focus right now. That being said, I will have a lot of down time to read books while I rest and recover.

What should I read first? Bonus if it’s on Kindle Unlimited! Drop your recommendations below! ⬇️

12/17/2025

The 4th Annual Magical Media Retreat for Creators and Small Business Owners is March 6-7, 2026! Space is limited and filing up quickly so your tickets now!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/magical-media-retreat-tickets-1744396991359?

The Magical Media is back for its fourth year of helping you up your content game and reignite your creative spark!

12/15/2025

We had the best time at the Christmas Celebration last weekend! From seasonal bites, roller coaster delights, animal encounters, exciting shows, and a parade, they have it all! (Swipe to see our fun!)

Sea World San Diego’s Christmas Celebration is going on daily until Jan. 4, 2026!

Here is what you can expect:

* Over One Million Twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and immersive holiday experiences
* All-New Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special at Sea Lion Stadium
* Live musical shows and seasonal entertainment for all ages
* Meet-and-greets with Santa Claus & his real reindeer
* Festive food, holiday drinks, and unique shopping experiences (I recommend a pass!)

Thank you to and for inviting and hosting us!

12/05/2025

Earlier this week my family and I were invited to attend the 23rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 🌲 (Swipe to the end to see it all including the fireworks finale!)

We had so much fun meeting Santa 🎅🏻 and snacking on hot chocolate ☕️ and cookies 🍪 before watching Danielle Fishel from 💃🏼 (aka: Topanga from Boy Meets World) light the 35-foot LEGO tree built with 366,000 LEGO and DUPLO bricks that took over 3000 hours to build!🌲

During the ceremony, they also announced that the theme park’s new world LEGO Galaxy will officially open on March 6, 2026 with 3 epic new rides including Galacticoaster and a junior astronaut training zone for toddlers! 🚀 We even met “Space Creature” for the first time! 🛸

During the ceremony they also presented a $10,000 check donation to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles! 💸

The evening concluded with fireworks 🎆 and snow ❄️ and we got to watch it all from the VIP media section! Thank you LEGOLAND for another awesome experience!!! This was our 6th year attending this event and it’s a family tradition we look forward to year after year!! It’s always fun seeing friends too!

Come enjoy the holidays at LEGOLAND during the entire month until January 4, 2026 with fireworks on select dates!!!

 

12/04/2025

I am excited to share a media article I contributed to for “The List” recently about parents losing their temper with their children.

It was an interesting one to talk about, since I honestly don’t ever want to shame a parent when their nervous system is on overload. I don’t know one parent that hasn’t lost it at some point, especially after a long day at a theme park…but rather I wanted to share empathy, compassion, and tips on how to regulate, despite stressful and overstimulating circumstances.

Parents aren’t perfect and often are criticized for not holding all together, but the truth is, parents are human and make mistakes. Parents can get overwhelmed and emotionally dysregulated, and it’s safe to assume that the vast majority of us have lost our temper at some point and had an adverse reaction to our children in the heat of the moment.

However, we are in control of our emotions and accountable for our behaviors, so if you ever find yourself in this situation, make sure to pause and use your coping skills to regulate and then make a repair with your child. Acknowledging the behavior and identifying your emotions will teach your child emotional intelligence, empathy, how to apologize, forgiveness, and that no one is perfect.

Read the entire article in my writing story highlights!

12/01/2025

Wow!! What an honor for to be named #1 on this list for the Top Therapeutic Parenting Podcasts on Feedspot!

They surprised me with an email sharing the good news over the weekend and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Thank you for the recognition, for everyone who has been a guest over the last 4 years, for my friend Lia for editing and uploading all of my shows, and for everyone who downloads, listens, and or leaves a review to support my podcast! I truly appreciate you!! It takes a village and this community be is for all of us!!

I have over 130 episodes that are available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

12/01/2025

I’m still reminiscing about the I had the privilege of speaking at earlier this month. I was asked to speak at this amazing nationwide tour in two locations/stops in Southern California presented in partnership by .milestone  and 

I spoke on a panel of other incredible expert level speakers shared and was able to talk about my top tips for “How to Make Play Purposeful and Joyful” and met some amazing local moms! It felt so good talking about what I’m most passionate about and even a little about the content in my new book hitting bookshelves in the spring!

This was definitely a highlight of the month!

11/26/2025

Hello friends! Please consider supporting families in need this week and donate to the So Cal Salvation Army. Any amount will help!

Help Kim fill up her Kettle!